I read another Terry Pratchett novel years ago, so long ago I can't remember the title. I have seen a couple of the movies based on his works, "Hogsfather" and "The Color of Magic", they were both hilarious.
This book is the first installment of the Discworld series. It started a bit slow for me, but first novels can drag a bit since they are setting up the rules of the universe. Towards the end I was beginning to see the humor I expect from Pratchett. Terry is very good at playing with words. He utilizes puns, as well as phonetics as a source of humor. Terry also has a talent for absurdity in situations.
We are introduced to Rincewind, a failed wizard and a featured character in the Discworld, and Twoflower, a tourist from the Counter-weight Continent. Their personalities are exact opposites. Rincewind is pessimistic and terrified of everything, this attitude isn't unfounded as bad things continually happen to him. Twoflower is an optimist, unafraid, and excited about everything around him. This contrast adds to the humor. Sometimes Twoflower's attitude saves them, often Rincewind is dragging Twoflower out of harm's way. We also meet The Luggage, an icon of the Discworld. It is made of sapient-pearwood, has teeth and hundreds of feet. It will follow its owner anywhere and will protect him and his belongings. Death also makes several appearances in this book. We even get to see him at home and his white steed. Death must collect the souls of any wizards personally and becomes quite peeved with his "near Rincewind experiences".
I look forward to the further adventures of Twoflower, Rincewind, and Death.
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