You Leave For a Few Weeks...

[McMurphy]

...and everything changes!

I like the new look.

I am wrapping up my read of Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on the novel?

[I, Brian]

Nice to see you back, McMurphy - I was actually wondering where you were.

As for the look - it's actually very temporary - the default forum template. I should be able to really start the new design proper on Wednesday.

[littlemissattitude]

I had been wondering about you as well, McMurphy. Glad to see you back.

[dwndrgn]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

...and everything changes!

I like the new look.

I am wrapping up my read of Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on the novel?

Welcome back McMurphy! I've read Monstrous Regiment and found it to be very enjoyable. A nice, light and entertaining read, and is unique as it shows only glimpses of some of the regular cast of characters from the Discworld. I quite liked the change, much as I like those 'regulars' it certainly doesn't hurt to throw in fresh blood every once in a while! I won't say anything else as you haven't finished yet. Post something when you're done and we can discuss it then.

[McMurphy]

Thank you Brian, littlemissattitude, and dwndrgn for the welcome back! It is nice to go some place where everyone knows your name. Well....to visit an online forum where other chat handles recognize my surname. Isn't it a shame when reality marches right in and through a very enjoyable fantasy?



dwndrgn,



Okay, I have finished the novel. I totally agree with you on how refreshing it is for the avid Pratchett reader to take a vacation from the normal cast of characters. As enjoyable as Rincewind and others may be, it is nice to be introduced to new candidates for leading roles. I also admire, along with the majority of the later half of his novels, how he is able to weave more and more social significance into his craft while keeping it lighthearted, funny, and sometimes downright silly in tone. It is this approach that earns Small Gods the title as my personal favorite Discworld book.



Monstrous Regiment's resemblance of Small Gods is also where I feel the work's weaknesses lie. As much as I have enjoyed this novel, I have seen it better done in some of his other books. Monstrous Regiment slips in a witty wink at politics, war, and sexism, but in a way that leaves me a bit unsatisfied and feeling that the author is mimicking his own legacy. He knew where to put all the puns, where to attach all the famous British brand of humor, and where to tie the tail of a mixed metaphor with a hefty weight of reality's familiar reflection. Unfortunately, the novel kept the pen's voyage straight and without artful straying from point to point. This trapping seems to stalk all the popular authors from time to time when they start to publish a new novel right after another, and Pratchett has certainly stepped up the amount of work he puts out.



My criticisms should not be given too much notice, however. I would still suggest this novel to other potential readers, but I would aim my influence more towards new Pratchett readers instead of the ones whom read each and every novel the second the books are bound hardcover. Monstrous Regiment, regardless of how it shelters itself within a well used formula, is yet another example of how Pratchett's reading style is sharp, funny, and well edited.



Am I way off on my critique? Any additional thoughts?