Умерено интересна книга на Пратчет, без големи, всеобхватни метафори (които да мога да схвана де). ( )

Reread July 2024: I can't believe the only time I have read this was back in 2011. It was like reading the book for the first time as I remembered so little. This seems to have worked out as I enjoyed it more star-wise on this read through than last time.

While technically this is the second in the Death sub-series of Discworld, the story is two main plots. In the first Death is basically fired from his job for having developed a personality and is given a short time remaining for his existence. This triggers the second plot thread with the repercussions of all the build up of life now that Death isn't there to help souls transition. I found Death's story line to be introspective and provide some profound thoughts about human nature and life. This is balanced by the other story line with Windle Poons and the hilarity of the UU staff trying to figure out what's going and kind of sort of getting there. The Dean sure had a lot of fun anyway! It made for a highly entertaining and touching read.

I'm glad to be rereading my way through the Discworld. Pratchett was such a genius. ( )

I love Pratchett's style, and the way he writes as if in dialogue with his readers. The visual additions of font changes were a lot of fun and a throwback to old childhood picture books. In the end, however, I thought he spent too much time foreshadowing some concepts (e.g. the glass snowglobes), and made them frustrating rather than appealing. ( )

Discworld is one of my favorite series out there, but Reaper Man surprisingly didn't suck me in like the others have been known to- at least at the start. I had an impactful death in the family earlier this year and had to put the book down for a few months to grieve and process things, so maybe that had something to do with it. The book itself regarding Death didn't turn me off, in fact, how Terry Pratchett portrays the Grim Reaper is my favorite of all Death depictions- not as something to fear, but more as a friend or pleasant guide.
That said- I'm glad I read Reaper Man later as part of my Discworld Journey rather than it be my very first pick. I'd recommend this book, but I would probably recommend Mort first for first-time Death readers (Unless I feel like the person I recommend it to will strongly love it) This is my fifth Discworld book, technically 6th.

Writing: A-. While this book is not at the level of funny that other Terry Pratchett books are known for, you don't read a Discworld book only/solely for laughs but also to appreciate the originality and wild ride it is. There's around three subplots in this book (As with most Discworld novels, there's usually one or two going on) but all were creative and engaging in their own rights. I get Discworld books are episodic and the stories are self contained, but this one definitely feels like one you need to read later rather than as your first choice- even if it's to get a good grip on how Terry Pratchett writes. I was a fan of some of the characters, of course Death- but I also enjoyed he included a vampire and a werewolf too.
Concept/Plot: A. I really enjoyed the Ghostbusters parody style of concept and plot. It's a decent way to describe this book. I don't want to spoil it further, but the idea that a city or town is "more alive than you expect" was certainly original and unique. I'm also a fan that Death became a farmhand in this novel. I also love the ending and think it might be one of my favorite book endings so far. Terry Pratchett is a master of rounding off his stories and providing wonderful, full circle closure.
Execution: A.. As I said, this book felt a little slower to me for the take off. Before I took that small break, I still retained those feelings that things were dragging out a little too long but I always trust Terry Pratchett to deliver even if it is late game.

Overall Grade: A ( )

If Death were given life to live and stepped down from his role, everyone would stop dying. This book is what happens next.

Reaper Man isn't my favorite Discworld novel, but I love it all the same. Windle Poons is possibly the best wizard ever after the Librarian. And the cast of characters from the Fresh Start club tickles my funny bone every time.

There's more than one underlying message to be found here (not the least of which are thoughts on the nature of malls) but nothing stops this from being a fun exploration of a buildup of life force in the meantime. ( )