Writeology

Read: Unseen Academicals, Terry Pratchett

Pratchett’s latest, hot off the presses. This time, Sir Terry focuses his attention on association football, or what we Yanks would unwittingly call “soccer.” Lord Vetinari (one of my perennial favorites) attempts to tame Ankh-Morpork’s version of the sport, which is little more than an organized mob, into something much nearer our own world, with predictably humorous results. Pratchett is in fine form here, and he gets credit for making me laugh out loud at several parts. Features cameos by a number of his well-known other favorites, such as Rincewind and Sam Vimes—and what would any Ankh-Morpork story be without Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler. Surprisingly enough, in a story with as much mayhem as this one has, there’s nary an appearance by our old friend Death. More’s the pity.