Terry Prachett's "Dodger"...A Book Review

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There are two types of people in the world: those who enjoy reading Terry Pratchett novels, and those who don't. Last week I finished Pratchett's Dodger. 

There's a lot to like about this book.

Yes, it's historical fiction set smack-down in the middle of Victorian England. There's fictional characters in the story, Dodger, for one. And there's also non-fictional characters, Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli being the most prominent. It was the two real-life people that elevated the story for me.

What I love about historical fiction novels is, if the author does a good job, we get a feel for how it was to live during that time. Dodger is as colorful a literary character as you'll find. He is also the story's narrator. 

But deep down, Dodger is a scoundrel who finds himself involved in pickle. He saves a young woman from an attack and that starts a chain of events involving Dickens and Disraeli and others. Dodger is introduced into a new world, a world of the upper crust, and because of his actions, quick thinking and fortuitous circumstances, Dodger thrives in this new world.

In the end, Dodger outsmarts the baddies and wins in the end. It's a story that could be told in the London of today instead of the London of the mid-nineteenth century. I'm sure a modern telling would prove just as fascinating.

Since this wasn't part of Pratchett's Disckworld series, I wondered as I read through the story when it was that he wrote this. The book was released in September, 2012. I knew that the author had passed away almost a year ago and I had never heard of Dodger. 

I liked many aspects of this book, but I think I liked the author's epilogue the best. He explained how, in his research, he was reminded of just how terrible life was for the poor in London during that time. It was a way of telling me just how blessed I am, and when a book can make you realize that, that's a powerful work of art.

Yes, there are two types of people in this world, pro Pratchett vs. the alternative. I need to read more of his works, but I'd say I'm definitely in the former.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/13516846-dodger

Terry Pratchett's "The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents"...A Book Review

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"You need to read more Pratchett," my friend has told me on more than one occasion. He's said that so much it's become a theme.

"I have read Pratchett," I've told him so much it's become a counter-theme. I admit, I've read Pratchett, but I'm by no means an expert. Many of my author friends love Pratchett. To be honest, he's a little intimidating. I mean, he's brilliant! And when I read his books, I wonder if I'm getting everything.

Today I finished The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents. I actually listened to it and there's something about hearing good dialogue that's pure joy. The narrator, Stephen Briggs was excellent portraying the various characters. If you're wondering what this book is about, it's on the cover. "The Pied Piper of . . . Discworld." That really says it all. From what I've read, it's Pratchett's first children's book set in that world.

Yes, it's a children's book, but it can be a tad gruesome. The story includes cats and rats. There's one instance where a cat must defend his past actions to the other rats when he ate a rat. Of course, it was before both species had the greater knowledge of reading and communicating.

I know there's a lot I missed with this one, and that's unfortunate. But, I did read it and that's important. Yes, my co-worker friend--I did read a Pratchett. And the next time one comes available, I won't be so intimidated.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/34534.The_Amazing_Maurice_and_His_Educated_Rodents