Interesting Times

“You could say to the universe this is not fair. And the universe would say: Oh, isn’t it? Sorry.”

The gods have decided to play with Rincewind again, this time in a (not-quite) war-torn Ancient Asian inspired setting where they are trying to decide who the next emperor will be. And as usual, Rincewind manages to somehow get caught up in the middle of it! (And of course he's meant to be an all powerful wizzard which doesn't help matters much).

I think that this is the best we have seen Rincewind so far (and we even get to meet Twoflower again!). Although the earlier Rincewind books may not always be as strong I would definitely reccomend reading them first though due to how the characters are introduced - you get more background show more information in the earlier books. Be aware that Pratchett does make some questionable jokes in this one. Given Pratchett's other books I believe these are meant in a satirical fashion, but parts do maybe dig a little too much into stereotypes. I've seen some comments that people didn't like the mismatch of cultures, but I wasn't bothered by this. I don't know how much of this is because it's very common in African-inspired fantasy worlds (and I've seen far less of this kind of commentary in this case). (And hey, if you aren't trying to write historical fantasy or something it can help create a more unique world, assuming it's well done. This one could maybe have had a bit more nuance but I feel like I'm getting off track here).

I enjoyed a lot of the characters in this book. And we get more proof that there is a Dibbler everywhere! I do enjoy looking out for them in these more far-flung books. And The Luggage! Probably one of my favourite Discworld characters. (And I guess we get some potential background on how The Luggage exists despite the apparent rarity of sapient pearwood? I hope he (at least Rincewood think he's a he) find the love he seeks) I enjoyed seeing Rincewind get more confident here although obviously Fate doesn't like it! and getting to learn more about some of the first characters we met in Pratchett's books in the style that all but the first few are written in. show less

Rincewind will always get me, it seems. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, though I might be more inclined to look favorably upon it in comparison to the previous Discworld installment, which I believe was my least favorite to date. I'm glad to get right back into the swing of things here.

I will say, I think this chapter of Rincewind's adventures might be the one that ages the worst, just in some phrasings and approaches to his interactions with the foreigners, who are, to be clear, analogous to some amalgam of ancient Eastern cultures, most recognizably (to me, at least) imperial Chinese.

Simultaneously, the critique contained within the satire feels more prescient than ever, as it concerns the tendency for revolution to turn right back show more into dictatorship, despite any good intentions on behalf of the starry-eyed revolutionaries. It felt like a warning and a prophesy all wrapped into one, particularly with Rincewind pointing out the ways in which the revolutionary army was being used by those who, yes, are currently in power, but for whom is it not quite enough power.

I also appreciated the pretty constant reminder that the "peasant" is actually a person, thank you very much, and not just an archetype for whom you can justify staging your rebellion. It didn't ever sink in with the people making that argument, because why would that start now, but we, the audience, know. show less

This is on the top level of Pratchett books for me. Rincewind is once again rushing away from trouble and ending up right in the middle of it. This time he is in the Counterweight continent, which feels very much like China to me. :) As usual, I love the sharp insight of the author into culture, traditions and politics, tempered by his wit and tongue in cheek writing. Cohen the Barbarian and his Horde play a large part in this story, and the Luggage, though not very present, makes his presence felt.

One of the most fun and complete Discworld reading experiences I've had. Interesting Times works because author Terry Pratchett diverges (whether consciously or not) from his usual busy, "everything everywhere all at once" approach to content and plotting and instead builds his riffs around a solid fantasy adventure plotline. In this, he is helped by the return of Rincewind, the Discworld's most interesting and apposite protagonist (Death, of course, being the most interesting character) –
THANK YOU.
– Uh... You're welcome. Anyway, with Rincewind at the wheel, everything settles and the reader can sit back and enjoy developments. As with most Discworld novels, Interesting Times takes a while to warm up, but once it does it has a sort show more of charming, Saturday-afternoon fantasy adventure feel that, in my opinion, too many of the books in the series abandon. It also ends strongly – a rarity for a Discworld story. It might not have the themes or the satire of other more lauded books in the series, but in truth this was one of the few Discworld novels I've read where I would've happily read another couple of hundred pages. It doesn't run deep and it has its flaws, but Interesting Times is a fun adventure. show less

Като по изключение, книга от поредицата за Ринсуинд, която не е посредствена, ами е даже една от най-добрите на Пратчет - главно защото в нея Ринсуинд е по-скоро епизодичен герой, докато главното действащо лице е Коен Варварина.

Още по-интересното беше, че предишната седмица приключих с четенето на петтомната поредица за живота на Чингис хан и Монголската империя на Кон Игълдън ( https://www.goodreads.com/series/44108-conqueror ), show more а очевидно Пратчет е взел за основа именно завладяването на Китай от монголите като основа на Интересни времена (Коен варварина дори се казва Чингис Коен).

В книгата има толкова много теми, свързани с историята и съвремието, че ме мързи само даже да ги изброя, а сигурно и не съм ги видял даже всичките.

От една страна имаме огромна, богата, могъща и технически напреднала страна, която обаче е самозатворена, тиранична и се интересува главно от вътрешни борби за власт - което е отражение не само на Китай през по-голямата част от историята му, ами и на целия Далечен Изток изобщо (виж поредицата на Джеймс Клавел, която почва с Шогун и развива същата тема). Може би само на мен ми се струва така, но Западната цивилизация вече започва да заприличва на такава държава с все по-увеличаващата се законова тежест ("Не може никой да отиде до кенефа без хартийка... на която пише, че това му е позволено"), задълбочено политическо противопоставяне, почти аристократична политическа класа и т.н.

Варварите на Чингис Коен пък, иронично заради доста понапредналата си възраст, са новите, млади и енергични хора, за които животът не може да бъде нищо друго освен свободен, които нямат какво да губят и които разчупват рамките на закостенелостта така, както много пъти е ставало в световната история (Кортез примерно покорява имерията на Инките с 200 конквистадори, а ако се върнем на конкретния пример, монголите разгромяват милионни китайски армии през 13 в.).

Относно модерния дебат за и против законното притежаване на оръжие от гражданите, Пратчет е лаконичен: "Оръжията са незаконни, схвана ли! Така само хората извън закона, като мен, имат оръжие, а обикновените хорица нямат. Харесва ми! - каза Чингис Коен с хищническа усмивка".

А да, забравих да кажа, че всичко това е облечено в изключително смешна, забавна и интересна история :) show less

The Unseen University needs to send a wizard - make that 'wizzard' - to the Counterweight Continent. But they need someone expendable. That someone, of course, is Rincewind. Using Hex, a complicated new machine that seems to think on its own, they first summon Rincewind from his peaceful island hideout and then blast him into the unknown.

Rincewind, as anyone could have predicted, gets into trouble almost immediately. It seems the Counterweight Continent is in the middle of a Somewhat Aggressive Movement Slightly Against the Government. Or more plainly, a revolution. But one with lots of ideals and very little practical experience. All Rincewind has had experience in is in avoiding trouble - and he can tell this movement is heading for A show more LOT of trouble.

And then there's the Silver Horde, Cohen the Barbarian's elderly group with their own ideas about storming the palace. They have a new member, Teach, who's trying to teach them to be civilized. It's not easy.

I really, really enjoyed this one. Don't read it first - you need to read at least Eric first, but really reading - or even watching - The Colour of Magic is very helpful. Twoflower the tourist is back, and so is the Luggage. DEATH naturally has a part, since this IS a war we're talking about.

I loved Rincewind's efforts at helping the Horde win the war. His campaign to convince everyone that there is certainly NOT a host of 2,300,009 ghosts waiting to devour anyone who gets in their way is absolutely brilliant. And we get to meet the long lost cousin of Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler too. Exactly the antidote I needed to all the serious stuff I've been reading lately. 5 stars show less

Rincewind turns up again in Ankh Morpork, but only for the briefest of times before he is sent as an envoy to the far side of the world in a land very closely ressembling China (but with somewhat weird Japanese additions too). There is an oppressive regime, with an emperor, various members of the aristocracy vying for his position, and a peasant population treated like slaves by the Lords and soldiers. Rincewind comes in to the fray, and is quickly perceived to be the revolutionary saviour of the masses. Cohen the barbarian and his horde make a prominent appearance too, with their super-confident plans to replace the ailing, evil emperor by themselves. Although I've found other derivative ideas from Pratchett sometimes to miss the mark, show more this one really worked brilliantly. Everything to do with Cohen and his gang was very funny and sometimes very cool. And the plot this time lacked too many dead spots, and the ending wasn't really drawn out, unlike some other Discworld novels. A thoroughly enjoyable and at times exciting read. show less