Cross out Faust! (Eric - Terry Pratchett)

Member Name: Boonoiy

Product:	Eric - Terry Pratchett
Date:	07/01/02 (144 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Satirical of a "Classic", Has Rincewind

Disadvantages: Not as long as it could have been - the more the better when it comes to TP!

Eric was only the 2nd of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels to enter into my world; I came across the series entirely by accident and became unshakeably hooked on the magical world of olde timey fantasy he creates. Following my experience with "Mort" I simply had to get hold of more of Pratchett's books and, being published by Gollancz rather than Corgi, the usual publisher of his books and therefore a little cheaper, I bought Eric.

The Plot:
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For those of you that know Faust by Goethe, the story of a demonologist who gets a little more than he bargained for, you will not be surprised to find a lot of similarities in this book. It's a satire of the book and even has Faust on the cover (crossed out with "Eric" written in its place in a dodgy felt-tip kind of way) in recognition of this.

Eric is a young boy, living at home in his little room and following in the footsteps of his beloved Grandpa. His aim is to summon up a demon and get his 3 wishes granted, he doesn't want much to have the most beautiful woman in the world fall in love with him, to live forever and to be the ruler of the world. His wishes are granted.....

If you know Pratchett's novels on the Discworld, you will undoubtedly have read about Rincewind, hapless wizard and terminal coward. In the book which immediately precedes Eric; Sorcery, we see Rincewind being banished to the Dungeon Dimensions to be faced with running away from peril for the rest of his (un)life. Needless to say, he gets summoned by Eric and has to fulfil his wishes for him.

With no experience and little magical ability Rincewind manages to get the job of demon down to a fine art, he gets the wishes taken care of and, with the help of a parrot with a very limited wossname (vocabulary - if you read it, you'll see the reference) and a whole host of evil-doers and well wishers he manages to get into the most horrible battle, gets
to see Hell at first hand and sees the rise and fall of the universe.

I won't go any further as I'm always tempted to do, simply leave it at this: Eric, Rincewind and a lot of demons and the lord of Hell make for a very entertaining read.

Characters:
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Unlike most of Pratchett's books there are a fair few new characters in this book, ones that do not crop up time and time again throughout the series. The only ones that are recognisable are Rincewind and The Luggage.

The Parrott - An absolutely brilliant addition to the Disc, always cantankerous and hostile with a very limited vocabulary and a tendency to say "Wossname" very often. He's given to hating everyone and everything VERY vocally.

Demons a-go-go - The nether Hells and the outer circles of Hades are all here, each with its own pet demon on patrol but with a whole new spin: The new lord of the underworld is a beurocrat and has decided to make Hell a more efficient place of horror. Humorous occurrences transpire with both demons and the Damned equally unhappy.

Eric - 12 years old with a huge inferiority complex, wants it all and wants it NOW! He's been practicing demonology for the past few years and has finally summoned...well...something. A very funny little kid, very reminiscent of myself as a young 'un (without the acid stains I might add).

Overall:
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I must admit to never reading Faust, I've been told of the comparison and so pass it on to you. The book is great, it has all of Terry Pratchett's usual humour and silly happenings alongside the clever way he gets a look on the lighter side of the human condition.

Pratchett gets a lot of observational comedy into his book, he is a great storyteller and, if you have not read through any of his Discworld novels in the past, have a look and get as hooked as I am.

Slightly silly, slightly childish
(just my kind of thing) and very addictive reading. I loved this book and I'm sure that most of you who follow this recommendation will too.

ISBN: 1857989546
Currently on sale for £4.49 from BOL.

Summary: