HarperPrism, 1996
292 pages
Discworld; Fantasy; Comedy
4/5 stars
Source: Library
Summary: The Auditors exist as a blob with no distinguishable traits. They hate people for messing up the world and consequently have decided to "kill" the Hogfather (he can't exactly be killed like a human but it's similar). In order to maintain the very fabric of the universe Death assumes the role of the Hogfather and very definitely does not ask his granddaughter Susan to interfere.
Thoughts: I was a little confused about everything going on here. There are basically three threads: Death fulfilling the Hogfather's duties, Susan tracking down what's going on, and occasionally the Auditors would show up for short stretches of the book. Death and Susan each had their own plans and couldn't communicate straightforwardly which caused my confusion. I love Death as I think I've mentioned a lot. Susan was a great character. Having read Mort and knowing about her family, I could appreciate her more.
Quotes:
"If you left off traditions because you didn't know why they started you'd be no better than a foreigner." -footnote on page 115
"It's amazing how good governments are, given their track record in almost every other field, at hushing up things like alien encounters." -footnote on page 155
Lawyer slam! "It's a nicer version of Death Row, with the bonus of now lawyers." -footnote on page 213 (I guess I really enjoy the footnotes!)
Overall: A very funny story although I was a little confused.
Challenge: This is book 5 of 6 for the TP challenge and guess what's tomorrow?
I like it that you included quotes. I am really clueless when it comes to Pratchett, so this gave me a better idea about him. This story seems to be confusing, but also entertaining once you get into it.
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