Small Gods

Terry Pratchett is one of those big names in sci-fi/fantasy books even before he passed away this year. For all that, I'm not actually sure I'd read any of his work. Certainly the Discworld series never really caught my eye. But thanks to a recent article, I finally looked through the list and picked one to try out, anyway.

I'm not exactly won over wholeheartedly and singing his praises as an author, but I enjoyed Small Gods. It had sort of an "old school" fantasy feel and went much more quickly than a lot of fantasy novels out these days. It's a close look at theism in a world where gods are real and their power tied to the belief of followers (and how -followers- may or may not -believe-). It would be easy enough to take that story and turn a critical eye to religious institutions in the real world and ask how much of them is rote, structure, and culture versus actual faith in the divine.

Comments

  1. kyn_elwynnMay 4, 2015 at 6:18 PM

    Discworld is, at heart, the collection of tales of various people's lives and sometimes they intermingle because they live in/around the same city. The Colour of Magic introduces us to the idea of the Wizards of the Unseen University and the city itself by the tale of the worst wizard ever (Rincewind). Guards! Guards! gives us a more common man's view of the city life and captain who has to maintain the peace (Sam Vimes). You met Death briefly in Good Omens, but he shows up more prominently in Mort. Granny Weathervax and Nanny Ogg show up in earlier books, but Wyrd Sisters is a tale especially about them and their practice (or lack of, really) witchcraft. They're all rpetty dang enjoyable and have a good spark of wit about them. I truly enjoyed any book that dealt with the City Watch (Sam Vimes, Carrot, Lord Vetinari) or Death

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  2. tashiroMay 4, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    I suggest: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, Pyramids, and Equal Rites. :)

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  3. marinredwolfMay 5, 2015 at 7:21 AM

    I appreciate the recommendations, though I'm not sure I feel a particular draw to pick up another Discworld book just now. And in addition to these comments, I've got a guide of sorts to refer to. Sorta leaning toward Gaiman's American Gods next, though I think I have enough to do that I won't have to make a decision today, anyway.

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