Brilliant and Hysterical
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While this novel is much darker than some of Terry Pratchett's other works it is still side splittingly hilarious. A must read in my own humble opinion. Who would have thought you could make the apocalypse palatable?
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Courtesy of Teens Read Too
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I love this book! The first time I came across it, it was hidden in a corner in a bookstore. It cried out to me. I had to take it home. I laughed so hard that I cried, more than once. I loved it so much I gave it away. Which is an extraordinarily difficult thing for me to do. But it wanted to be shared, and I can't deny a book its destiny. My brain, however, is not so capable of release. I had to buy it again. And read it over and over and over. Until I gave it to my boyfriend, before we were dating. And still, I read it at his house. When he forgot and gave it back to me, I cruelly didn't correct him. (It came back to me! It must be fate!) Now, there's a new edition out, with comments by the authors. I have to go get it.
I'm obsessed. It's unhealthy. I know. Come join me. It's the best apocalypse you'll ever survive.
Crowley and Aziraphale have been locked in the battle between good and evil since, well, at least the beginning of time. In fact, it's been so long that it's become more of a debate then a battle. Actually more of a conversation. Aziraphale is an angel, and part-time rare bookseller. It's a front; he really collects the books for himself. Crowley is sort of a fallen angel; well, as the book says "an angel who did not so much fall as saunter vaguely downward". So he's a demon, ish. Mostly he's an instigator. These two have been enemies for so long that they've become pretty good friends.
But that's all going to end. Everything is going to end. Next Saturday. That's when the apocalypse has been scheduled for. The final battle between good and evil. What's an angel, or demon, to do when it comes time to end the world, but they really don't want to?
The apocalypse is aided and thwarted, alternately, by angels, demons, and an assortment of other ridiculous, hilarious, pitiful characters. Newton Pulsifer, Witchfinder, armed with a stickpin. Anathema Device, Witch and owner of the only accurate book of prophecy to ever be written, until she lost it. Agnes Nutter, author of said book, semi-illiterate, or maybe just a really bad speller, and dead. The Chattering Order of St. Beryl, satanic nuns who really just like to wear black. Dog, who was, or is, or should have been a hellhound. Adam, the anti-christ, depending on how the day goes. There's a lot more, but I don't want to ruin the fun. Let's just say that good, evil, and prophecy are all ideas that leave a lot of room for interpretation. And I'll never leave music in my car for too long again.
Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman
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Let's just call it Great Omens
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Imagine Rosemary's Baby or The Omen written and starring the talent behind Monty Python and you'll have an idea of what to expect when you read Good Omens.
Written by satirical fantasy author Terry Pratchett and adult comics and fantasy author Neil Gaiman, Good Omens is a witty and wild take on the Apocalypse myth of the Bible. The main characters are an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crowley, who have both become accustomed to their comfortable lives with humans so have decided to team together to avert The Final Judgement.
Dark yet heartwarming, Good Omens is British humour delivered through a steady stream of antics, caricature, and an all-round roast to modern society and culture.
My copy of this novel is prominently displayed on the bookshelf, between a book on Western Atheism and the Holy Bible.
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Have a nice Apocalypse
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Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman are both master storytellers, whose books are constantly humorous, insightful, fantastic, and intelligent. Having them both work together in penning a tale about the Apocalypse, from the perspectives of an angel and a demon who are friendly and both kind of distressed that this rather pleasant world is about to get destroyed, but don't quite know how to stop it, is almost too good to be true. This is a light read, but it provides a great adventure full of laughs. I absolutely loved it, and it was also the first book I read by either author, although I had heard so much praise for both (and was not disappointed!) After reading GOOD OMENS I can say that I am a fan for life of both authors and am eagerly reading the rest of their works. The style is also a bit reminiscent of Douglas Adams, and fans of the HITCHHIKER or DIRK GENTLY novels may want to check this out, as well.
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Very droll
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Good Omens is a novel of wit and humour that takes the Revelations chapter of the Bible and uses it to poke fun at human foibles and pretensions. A heartwarming story at its core, it delivers a non-stop barrage of dry British humour that will have fans of Douglas Adams rolling on the floor. Requires some, but not a lot of, familiarity with British culture and regions. While its eschatological delving may not be profound, it delivers a steady stream of fun, satire and well-deserved ribbing of modern society. I'll never listen to Freddie Mercury in the same way again.
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