Carpe Jugulum (Discworld Novels (Paperback))

von Terry Pratchett ISBN: 0061020397 Kommentar abgeben

The characters are as funny as ever: Magrat the modern mother and Mightily Oats the newly-qualified priest of Om manage to take on a life beyond the stereotypes, and Agnes/Perdita, the fat girl and her inner thin girl, is a treat. Then there's the modern vampires: staying up until gone noon, growing their hair short and pretending to be accountants.

But somehow, in spite of them, the story drags.

If, like me, you're a die-hard Pratchett fan, you'll probably consider the book worth its price anyway. The background on the Omnian church will be fascinating to anyone who enjoyed Small Gods, and the development in the characters of the witches is great to read. But anyone who's new to the Discworld will probably find Soul Music a much more enjoyable read. (Dies ist eine Amazon.de an der Uni-Studentenrezension.)

Certainly not a re-write of Lords and Ladies
No-one who has really read this book can find that this is a rewrite of Lords and Ladies. While Lords and Ladies was the weakest book of the whole series and made me somehow dislike the Witches sphere, this one reconciliates me with it. Finally the other witches have stepped out of Granny Weatherwax's shadow. This makes the book far more interesting than e.g. Lords and Ladies or Witches Abroad. The weakness of Granny Weatherwax in this book makes her a more human and less dominant character. While with the other books I nearly feeled that Granny would somehow take over sometime, this one puts her in her right position again. Nanny Ogg, Magrat and especially Agnes finally get the role they deserve.

Beside the Witches theme, the vampire theme has also been treated in an excellent manner. By exaggerating and mixing the attributes usually identified with vampires, Pratchett has created a marvellous satire, only comparable to Pyramids.

Finally, with the priest of Om, the religious theme is again treated in Carpe Jugulum. I was very pleased with that because I think that Small Gods was one of Pratchetts best books and regretted that religious controverse didn't reappear in his following books.

Conclusion: a masterpiece in every aspect

Beautiful addition to Discworld series
Vampires have invaded Lancre and any fan of Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick won't be disappointed with their adventures. Magrat has gone through some pleasing changes, and Agnes ("She that calls herself Perditax") has become a very interesting addition to the coven.

_Carpe Jugulum_, like all the other Discworld novels, is not simply straight-forward fantasy, or just an amusing read. It's difficult to review a Discworld novel because they manage to be both amazingly funny and poignant at the same time. There are some truly beautiful moments in this book, and I cried with laughter more than once on reading it.

If you enjoy humorous fantasy, you'll never find anything as remotely funny as Pratchett. If you're tired of having your intelligence insulted by the usual, tired fantasy plot devices and characters and don't mind thinking, I heartily suggest this book and all the other Discworld series.
Siehe auch:

• The Last Continent
• The Fifth Elephant
• Jingo (Discworld Novels (Paperback))
• Maskerade (Discworld Novels (Paperback))