This is one of my bedtime books. I used to love Terry Pratchett when I was in high school, but I don’t so much anymore, which always means I am rather sad when reading his books these days. Now, this must mean that either the books have changed, or I have. What do you think?
TRUCKERS tells the story of a group of tiny human-like creatures called nomes who are struggling to survive in a field. In desperation they get on a human truck and end up at a large department store, Arnold Bros, which turns out to be full of nomes. The store is however about to be destroyed, so all the nomes have to find a way to escape by teaching themselves to drive. They also discover that they are in fact aliens from a distant star, and that this is therefore the first step to returning to outer space. Sequel anyone?
The funniest part of the novel is the religion around the god figure of Arnold Bros. that the store nomes have developed. Thus they take If you don’t see what you require, please ask as an invitation to prayer, and Everything Must Go as a instruction to prepare for one’s own mortality. Prices Slashed is a sort of devil, and Bargains Galore an Archangel. However – and here’s what makes me sad – it now all seems a bit heavy handed, and his larger points about religion and meaning painfully obvious.
Oh Terry Pratchett. You are still good for bedtime.
Nice review, Sarah! I have read graphic novel versions of Terry Pratchett's 'The Colour of Magic' and 'The Light Fantastic' and loved them. 'Truckers' reminds me in some ways of the book 'The Borrowers'.
Ah that is unfortunate. Always sad when our opinions of books change with time. I've only read one Pratchett and that was Good Omens which he wrote with Gaiman. I was laughing so much.
I too remember really enjoying Good Omens, though it was a long time ago for me.
The author I used to like as a young teen, but have totally aged out of (possibly even by the end of high school) is Piers Anthony.I too remember really enjoying Good Omens, though it was a long time ago for me.
The author I used to like as a young teen, but have totally aged out of (possibly even by the end of high school) is Piers Anthony.
Yes, it is a bit like the Borrowers – I have to say, it did all seem a bit derivative in one way or another!
I am wondering something in the opposite direction at the moment. I read some çlasics in high school I wasnt very fond of eg. ANNA KARENINA. I wonder how it would be if I tried it now? Perhaps I have grown out of some books and into others . . .
Wow – Truckers takes me back to year seven at secondary school – it was closely followed by ONLY YOU CAN SAVE MANKIND which I definitely preferred. It is really interesting how our reaction to some books change – I recall forcing my way through LORD OF THE RINGS as a child with its long discussions on pipe weed and hobbit habits (there's a mouthful) now however I savour all those lengthy descriptions.
Oh god, LORD OF THE RINGS! Not a book I really like, but I have learnt that people who loved it when they were young will get VERY CROSS if you express this view. Also, in general, you cannot express the view that it is not in fact a piece of classic lit, but just superior fantasy fiction – this also leads to unexpected fights in bars.