“No other species
anywhere in the world had invented boredom[...] that strange ability
to think “How dull. I wonder what happens if I bang this rock on
that head?””
Thankfully, Terry
Pratchett addresses his boredom by writing novels and Thief of Time
is the 26th set in Discworld. The plot revolves around the
construction of the perfect glass clock, craved by The Auditors, a
group of supernatural clipboard holders, because it will freeze time
and enable them to eradicate humanity's unpredictability.
When (the
personification of) Death learns of the plan he sends his
granddaughter, Susan, on a thwarting mission. The news of the clock
also reaches a valley which is partly populated by the History Monks,
one of whom, Lu-Tze, has experience of such a device's power and is
keen to block its construction.
Thus, with all of
elements of the screwball plot in place, Pratchett uses it to riff on
the nature of time and relativity. The novel is stronger on
philosophy than character or plot. Its comedy is gentle rather than
tear inducing, although the description of Susan's classroom is
excellent as is the satire of martial art movie tropes. The reader
also discovers that death by chocolate really is a possibility.
Although it is not his
best and not an ideal entry point for a new discoverer of the
Discworld, Pratchett's voice is unique. He is incapable of writing a
bad novel and long may he alleviate his boredom by treating us to the
fruits of his imagination.
