PYRAMIDS
- Terry Pratchett -
The strange, mystic, and ancient powers of the pyramids are examined in this book. Through the lives of a king, an assassin, and a concubine, a tale is built that rises to a peak, as pyramids do, with the help of You Bastard (the camel who spits with pinpoint accuracy at moving targets).
Watch your backs seagulls!
Pratchett even manages to bring in the concept of pi, yet, it has slipped my mind what kind. Blueberry? Bumbleberry?
If concubine and bumbleberry were not big enough hints, this book was another blithesome work of literature by the always funny TP (for short). Another parody of a genuine scientifical myth - this time the pyramids, egypt-ology, and mummies - done up with a bow (oversized and polka dotted, Pratchett style).
However, for me at least, this book had an almost 'grown up' feel to it. The two or three different story lines starting miles apart come together at a peak. Which I found to be a slightly different style of writing than some of the previous discworlds. It felt more, mature? I also found this with the characters. They were not as extreme and memorable, they were almost inching towards middle aged and grounded. No Cohen the barbarian, no Rincewind, no Flowerface (or whatever that tourist's name was).
I'd say read this book if you are going through the Discworld series because the camel is well worth it. But, if you plan on reading just one Discworld book in your life, there are better ones.
RATING: READ
Bookclub Questions:
1) Teppic - Strong enough to be the 'main' character?
2) Share a seagull story
3) The assassins claim to be good for society and mankind. Can you think of other comparable occupations that claim to be good for society?
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