Fast Forward Book Review for November 2011

 

Snuff
by

Terry Pratchett

A review
by Colleen R. Cahill

It’s that time of gift giving again and as always, there are many choices out there for the literary fantasy shopper. One consideration is any of the works of Sir Terry Pratchett, whose body of 39 Discworld titles can make him a one stop shop. This is especially true for those seeking books of both great humor and heart. If your gift list includes any fan of Pratchett’s work, you are in luck as his newest title, Snuff, has been released from Harper Collins, and it is just the thing for those who hold Sir Terry’s work dear.

As with most of Pratchett’s works, Snuff is a Discworld novel, set on a flat earth that travels through space on the backs of four elephants that are standing on a turtle. This volume focuses on Sam Vimes, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork city watch. Raised on the streets of that bustling metropolis, the story opens with Sam out of his native element as his wife Lady Sybil has taken Sam and their young son to their country estates. This is to both introduce them to the property and its denizens, plus give young Sam a chance to experience country life. Or at least that is what is planned; while he might be Duke of this realm, Sam still thinks of himself as a commoner and always as a “copper”, so he is both uncomfortable and suspicious of his new environment, never mind all the weird noise at night. After a bit of time in both the local pub and entertaining the high society, Sam’s suspicions become more pronounced – something is wrong and no one is willing to talk. So Sam, along with his very dangerous valet Willikins, begins an investigation that leads immediately to blood on the ground, not to mention a disembodied goblin finger. While goblins are not the most pleasant of folk (they consider earwax and other such things as holy), Sam still feels the need to react, especially after a goblin calls on him for “just ice”. It is soon apparent that there is a bad smell in the countryside and it is more than just the pig manure.

Certainly this is a must have book for Discworld readers and especially those who admire Sam Vimes' adventures. Once again, Sir Terry brings us a work that has many very funny moments, but is also a book about the fight against brutality, and the humanity of all people, regardless of how smart or beautiful they are… or are not. If those on your gift list have never read a Discworld book, Snuff can still be enjoyed, or you could choose an earlier work. There is even a young adult series featuring Tiffany Aching, a young girl of spunk and intelligence who is a great choice for both young and old. You can find reviews of some of those books on the Fast Forward archives.

All in all, it is hard to go wrong with a Pratchett book for anyone on your wish list who enjoys fantasy and humor, along with a big dose of heart.