Reaper Man - Book Review

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Terry Pratchett's Reaper Man is a novel that takes place in his Discworld series, a universe where magic, gods, and creatures beyond human imagination exist. The book follows the story of Death, the Grim Reaper, who has been fired from his job and must find a new occupation while dealing with the consequences of his absence.

The book begins with the Auditors, beings who oversee the universe, deciding that Death must be fired due to his developing a personality and having empathy for the humans he encounters. Death is given a few days to wrap up his affairs before his time is up, and as he does so, strange occurrences begin to happen in Discworld.



First, a new character named Windle Poons, a wizard, dies but doesn't pass on. Instead, his spirit remains on Discworld and must deal with the consequences of being a non-living entity. Meanwhile, in Death's absence, the dead refuse to move on and instead remain on Discworld, causing chaos and confusion for the living.

The plot of Reaper Man is rich and complex, as it not only follows Death's attempts to find a new job but also explores the concept of what happens to people after they die. Pratchett uses his characters to examine themes such as mortality, identity, and the power of belief.

One of the most significant themes in the novel is the concept of death and what happens after we die. In Discworld, death is portrayed as a natural part of life, and the characters who have died must pass on to the afterlife. However, Pratchett also explores what happens when death doesn't happen as expected, as is the case with Windle Poons. Poons' character is used to examine the fear of death and the fear of the unknown. He is afraid of what will happen to him now that he's dead and doesn't know what his future holds.

Another theme that is explored in the novel is the concept of identity. Death, as a character, is struggling with his identity after being fired from his job. He is no longer sure who he is or what his purpose is, and this leads to a crisis of identity. Similarly, Windle Poons struggles with his identity after his death. He is no longer a wizard, but he's also not quite dead, which causes him to question who he is and what his purpose is.

Belief is also an essential theme in Reaper Man. In Discworld, belief has a powerful effect on reality. The more people believe in something, the more real it becomes. This is illustrated through the character of Bill Door, who takes over Death's job and becomes a reaper. Door is able to do this because people believe in him and the concept of death. This theme is also explored through the character of Miss Flitworth, who starts a cult following after she is brought back to life. Her followers believe in her and her ability to bring them back to life, and as a result, she gains power and influence.

The characters in Reaper Man are well-developed and complex, each with their own struggles and motivations. Death, in particular, is a fascinating character. He is often portrayed as a dark and scary figure, but in this novel, Pratchett gives him a more human side. Death is struggling with his identity and his purpose, and as a result, he becomes more relatable to the reader.

Windle Poons is also a compelling character. As a wizard, he is used to having power and control, but after his death, he is no longer in control of his own destiny. This loss of control causes him to question his identity and purpose in life. However, as the novel progresses, he learns to embrace his new existence and finds a sense of purpose in helping the other undead on Discworld. His character arc is a poignant reminder that we don't always have control over our lives and that sometimes we must learn to adapt to new situations.

The supporting characters in Reaper Man are also memorable and add depth to the story. Miss Flitworth, the cheese maker, is an excellent example of how belief can give someone power. She starts a cult following and gains influence simply because people believe in her ability to bring them back to life. The wizards at Unseen University also play an important role in the novel. Their attempts to find a solution to the chaos caused by the undead add a layer of humour to the story.

Humour is a significant aspect of Reaper Man. Pratchett's wit and satire are evident throughout the book, and he uses humour to address serious themes such as mortality and the meaning of life. For example, Death's attempts to find a new job lead him to try various occupations, including working in a fast-food restaurant and as a tailor. These scenes are both humorous and poignant, as they highlight the struggle of trying to find one's place in the world.

The world-building in Reaper Man is also impressive. Discworld is a rich and detailed universe, and Pratchett has created a complex system of magic, gods, and creatures. The various locations in the novel, including the city of Ankh-Morpork and Unseen University, are vividly described, and the reader feels immersed in the world.

Overall, Reaper Man is a thought-provoking and entertaining novel. It addresses serious themes while also providing humour and satire. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the world-building is impressive. Pratchett's writing is both clever and accessible, making the book enjoyable for readers of all ages. The novel is a testament to Pratchett's talent as a writer and his ability to create a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.

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