Review: Pyramids
Daniel Orner
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The seventh book in the Discworld series, _Pyramids_, is one of my
favorites; I've read it so often I know the story by heart. But it
remains a great read, with likable characters, a huge set of original
ideas, and a prolonged, epic, spine-chilling ending. It's the first in
the series that's a single one-off example rather than being part of one
of the major "threads", although another one-off, _Small Gods_, expands
on many ideas and settings created here.
The book stars Teppic, recent graduate of the Assassin's Guild in
Ankh-Morpork (the Guild is given more page time than in any other book
in the series), and also heir to the throne of Djelibeybi, a river
kingdom which is essentially an analogue of Ancient Egypt. There are
some parallels to _Mort_ in that the story starts in a "normal" place
(with some flashbacks this time), follows the protagonist to his new
home, and explores his rebellion against the system that he finds there,
along with a quest to fix a magical problem which was partly the fault
of the hero.
The main theme explored is that of stagnation (something similar to
Mervyn Peake's _Gormenghast_, but much less boring). Djelibeybi is very,
very old, and very set in its ways. Teppic finds out quite quickly that
being king isn't all it's cracked up to be - but that doesn't mean he
hates his home. Terry also sets up a discussion of an unusual aspect of
Discworld religion, as the Djeli gods aren't like the ones anywhere else.
Along his journey, Terry pokes fun at Greek philosophers, the medical
profession, quantum mechanics, mathematicians, the _Flashman_ series,
driving instructors, the _Kama Sutra_, and more Bible references than
you can shake an almond stick at. Oh, and lots of mummies. Every so
often, there's an off-the-cuff paragraph or two exploring intriguing
ideas with Terry's trademark wit, before the surprisingly fast-paced
story continues.
Terry himself has cited the final exam of the assassin's guild as one of
his favorite sequences in any of his books (saying he didn't know where
he was going till he got there).
Definitely a keeper in the series, and a good starting point for those
new to it.
--
http://roleplayingjew.blogspot.com/ - An Orthodox Jew who plays Japanese
role-playing games? Strange but true!
Bob Larter
> The main theme explored is that of stagnation (something similar to
> Mervyn Peake's _Gormenghast_, but much less boring).
It's a relief to find out that I'm not the only person who found
Ghormenghast boring. So many people rave about it, but I couldn't get
more than about a quarter of the way through the first book.
--
W
. | ,. w , "Some people are alive only because
\|/ \|/ it is illegal to kill them." Perna condita delenda est
---^----^---------------------------------------------------------------
Lesley Weston
> Daniel Orner wrote:
>> The main theme explored is that of stagnation (something similar to
>> Mervyn Peake's _Gormenghast_, but much less boring).
>
> It's a relief to find out that I'm not the only person who found
> Ghormenghast boring. So many people rave about it, but I couldn't get
> more than about a quarter of the way through the first book.
>
--
Lesley Weston
The addy above is real, but I won't see anything posted to it for a long
time. To reach me, use leswes att shaw dott ca, adjusting as necessary.
Nigel Stapley
> Daniel Orner wrote:
>> The main theme explored is that of stagnation (something similar to
>> Mervyn Peake's _Gormenghast_, but much less boring).
>
> It's a relief to find out that I'm not the only person who found
> Ghormenghast boring. So many people rave about it, but I couldn't get
> more than about a quarter of the way through the first book.
>
I read the Titus Groan trilogy through once, and quite enjoyed it, but I
may have been in a Gothic mood at the time. Certainly, when I tried to
*re*-read it, I gave up at about the same point you did. I kept thinking
of the Addams Family for some reason.
--
Regards
Nigel Stapley
<reply-to will bounce>
Daniel Orner
> Daniel Orner wrote:
>> The main theme explored is that of stagnation (something similar to
>> Mervyn Peake's _Gormenghast_, but much less boring).
>
> It's a relief to find out that I'm not the only person who found
> Ghormenghast boring. So many people rave about it, but I couldn't get
> more than about a quarter of the way through the first book.
>
I got all the way through the first two books, but it was very heavy
going. I saw bits and pieces of the TV miniseries, though, and it looked
like it was more interesting. Certainly Steerpike was much prettier and
more deliciously evil. I think it does better as a visual medium.
Anery
>
<snip most part of the review of Pyramids>
>
> Terry himself has cited the final exam of the assassin's guild as one of
> his favorite sequences in any of his books (saying he didn't know where
> he was going till he got there).
>
with ease and elegance. The follow-up, although it has its interesting
points, seems somewhat clumsy and slow-paced in comparison. It is not
exactly an advantage if the best part of the book is at the beginning.
I've felt somewhat cheated by the rest as a result.
YMMV.
Anery
Daniel Orner
I think the slow pace was intentional. It was meant to evoke the slow
suffocation of thought and action in a place where nothing changes. The
contrast actually works to enhance that idea.
Bob Larter
> Bob Larter wrote:
>> Daniel Orner wrote:
>>> The main theme explored is that of stagnation (something similar to
>>> Mervyn Peake's _Gormenghast_, but much less boring).
>>
>> It's a relief to find out that I'm not the only person who found
>> Ghormenghast boring. So many people rave about it, but I couldn't get
>> more than about a quarter of the way through the first book.
>>
> The movie's good, though.
Hm. I'll have to see if I can obtain a copy.
Sofia
Anery <vsp...@atlas.cz> wrote:
> It is very different in style from the rest of the book - it flows
> with ease and elegance. The follow-up, although it has its interesting
> points, seems somewhat clumsy and slow-paced in comparison. It is not
> exactly an advantage if the best part of the book is at the beginning.
> I've felt somewhat cheated by the rest as a result.
Yes, I agree it was a great novel and one of Pterry's best, but what
ever did happen to Pteppic I wonder - he was one of my favourite
characters!!
Sofie
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