Schweinsgalopp (1996)

http://speculiction.blogspot.com/2021/02/review-of-hogfather-by-terry-pratchett.... ( )

My second Discworld novel, and the writing is a little different here than in [b:The Light Fantastic|601239|The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2)|Terry Pratchett|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1365691835s/601239.jpg|592532]. More mature, you could say.

The subject of Christmas, Hogswatch here, in a different jacket. Again with the dry and witty humour of Sir Pratchett. Many times I have laughed, other times it wasn't as funny or not easy to follow or grasp what was going on, like it was filler instead of killer. Especially around the last 100 pages things were getting a bit messy, I thought. But then it got better again.

The character of Death is one amusing little type. :) Almost or at least as great as Rincewind, I'd say, even if I'm still a n00b with regards to Discworld.

So yes, reading about Christmas in full summer is perhaps not the best combination, but when you've got enough imagination, it can work.

I also liked the philosophical influences here and there about mankind, about believing in fantasy elements, in superstitious beings, events, etc... As indeed, those things make life more interesting, more bearable, better. Despite what others say. Everyone sort of believes in something unrealistic, one more than the other.

In short, another fun Discworld novel. ;-) ( )

The subject of Hogfather is Christmas. Except on Discworld, it's called Hogswatch, the jolly old fat man is the Hogfather, and he rides around in a sleigh pulled by four large boars named Gouger, Rooter, Tusker and Snouter. Like Santa Claus, the Hogfather goes about climbing down chimneys and leaving presents for children. But this year, things are a little different. The Hogfather seems to have gone on a diet because he's nothing but skin and bones?well, actually, just bones. It seems the Hogfather has died and Death has stepped in to take over. The Death of Rats is busy warning Susan Sto-Helit what Death is up to when he drops down her chimney. Susan is a governess with a few special talents. You see, Susan is Death's granddaughter. The daughter of Death's adopted daughter and her husband, Death's former apprentice. Susan demands an explanation and Death reveals that the Hogfather is dead. When Susan demands to know why he is doing this, he refuses to answer and tells her it is not her business. So when Susan begins her investigation. She's joined by the Death of Rats, an annoying talking raven, and the God of Hangovers. Also on the case, though they don't know it, are the intellectual elite of the Unseen University. The wizards, led by Archchancellor Ridcully, are working on the problem of mysteriously appearing gods. Gods are popping out of thin air?the God of Indigestion, the Eater of Socks, the Cheerful Fairy and the Wisdom Tooth Goblin, to name just a few. ( )

Death and the gang save Christmas Hogswatch. What's not to love. ( )

Re-read on Xmas!

And it couldn't have better timing. Who else would like to see Death taking on the role of Discworld's Santa?

Or better yet, have Susan get involved. :)

Or have a hit put out on the Hogfather while Death flies with the pigs?

OR HAVE TO DEAL WITH RIDCULLY's BATH? *shudder*

Well, here's to ants in the AI! I've just upped my score on this one to a full five. For some reason, this Pratchett tickled me in all the best places. :) ( )