Few authors can do this

[deckardnexus6]

I'm 56 years old and a dyed in the wool Pratchett fan. I'm well educated, widely read - know anyone else who has read Moby Dick, War and Peace, and most of Shakespeare's oeuvre? - yet I return time and time again to the works featured here.

One minute I am convulsed with laughter, tears streaming down my cheeks. The next minute, I am crying true tears at his wisdom, insight, and sheer humanity.

How does he do that? It's beyond me.

No wonder A S Byatt is one of his biggest fans.

Dunk

PS I'm new to the forum, so apologise unreservedly if this is a topic that has already been discussed in mildly obsessional detail. I'd just like to hear what others think and feel here

[Tonyblack]

No need to apologise - welcome to the site deckardnexus6.

It seems you are also a fan of Blade Runner (or possibly Philip K Dick) as well.

I think the reason that Terry's writing is so popular is because he writes about Humanity. It doesn't matter if the characters are dwarfs, vampires, trolls or zombies - they all have recognisably human traits and that's why they are so endearing.

He also writes incredible satire so you get more than just a cracking story; you also get social statement about the world we live in - even if it is set on another world.

[Jan Van Quirm]

Hi there deckardnexus6 - excellent 'literary hero' list there!

I think Terry will, in the not too distant future, be rated as the modern day Shakespeare (we fans think so already naturally ) - and thank goodness he's almost as prolific as the old Bard of Avon and has a much wider and compelling ability to write empathically about the human condition (Shakespeare did too, but of course this was of his time not ours).

Other authors may sell better in the short term, but his books (not just Discworld) will be relevant for at least another 500 years because, as Tony says, they have a universal appeal and understanding. Even if he never writes another word, he's already made it as an all time great author and we'll carry on loving and admiring his books and his personal values and spirit as long as we can - which I hope is for a very long time to come.

[chris.ph]

welcome to the site deckardnexus6

[Sjoerd3000]

Welcome to the forum deckardnexus6

[Tina a.k.a.SusanSto.Helit]

Terry's writing is hitting generation after generation... it is all being reprinted from the late 80's on and catching people unawares until they are howling and hooting like ... well, like the bunch of loons he says we are. His work Will stand the test of time and if anyone EVER finds me the address for that jerk-ass reporter, he will find a well-typed lead pipe up his bum for treating the man who saved my sanity a bad rap.

Terry has a magic that is not able to be grasped by the dim-witted. You cannot get everything he puts into the book in one reading, and the stuff you did get, WILL have you howling and crying along with the new stuff you find in successive readings. It is magical and puts our own pitiful human condition into a format that we can grasp onto like a baseball bat and swing for the cheap seats.

p.s. Welcome and please join the nut haus/ looney bin

[poohcarrot]

It is magical and puts our own pitiful human condition into a format that we can grasp onto like a baseball bat and swing for the cheap seats.

My human condition is not pitiful!

PS. I understand the baseball analogy because I live in a country who are the baseball world champions (again), but not sure if all the Brits will get it.

PPS. Welcome Dunk

[Tina a.k.a.SusanSto.Helit]

Is there a Cricket or Soccer analogy?

and you are afflicted with Peskies...

[poohcarrot]

I don't understand what the word "soccer" means.

[Tina a.k.a.SusanSto.Helit]

Non-American Football

[Dotsie]

So, football then?

Welcome to the site Dunk. It's true that TP is a literary genius, but he's no Shakespeare. I definitely prefer him to Herman Melville though. And War & Peace? Why torture yourself like that?

It has to be said though, that no writer has ever made me laugh like Terry. I love the satire, and the fact that he makes you think makes for a guilt-free read

[Catch-up]

Welcome! You'll find a lot of people here who feel the same.

[freddy]

Hello everyone and hello to all new people sorry Ive not been on for quite sometime but been busy reading, I have now cought up with my discworld books, I am hoping to get nation for Christmas. I am currently readng last hero the big illustrated version so its taking me a while as its a bit heavy for me to hold.

As you have all said Sir Terry is amazing, I love reading his books because as you read them one page your rooking with laghter the next you thinking this sounds familiar lol and next you could be total puzzled by what he has written. I too love Shakespeare particularly Hamlet, Mc Beth and Romeo and Juliet ; people are surprised when I say this as I am Dyslexic and they seam to think Shakespeare would be beyond me, only because I can not read it out aloud.

I am really looking forward to Terry's next Tiffany book, which I can not remember the name of right now darn dash it all lol

[Who's Wee Dug]

Hi deckardnexus6, welcome to the forum.

[CrysaniaMajere]

Widipedia says the next Tiffany book will be 'I shall wear midnight'.
I already love the title, so can't really wait for it!!