Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
The Antichrist has been delivered, setting in motion the events of Armageddon. However, an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crawly, decide that they enjoy Earth too much to see it come to an end.
This humorous novel takes the reader on a twisty adventure set in England of the final eleven years of the world that leaves one laughing out loud, scratching their head, and pondering life all at the same time. It combines history, Biblical passages, and imagination in such a way that is truly fascinating to witness. For example: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride motorcycles instead of horses.
Each character is richly unique, providing detail and depth to their complicated role in the end of the world. Morbid curiosity keeps one reading to the very end in order to see how the pieces all fit together and if indeed, the Apocalypse can be averted.
I picked up the book after seeing advertisements for the Amazon Prime series of the same name. Choosing to read the book before watching the show, I found my copy and embarked on the satirical journey.
The writing style has a post-modern feel that reminded me of Tom Stoppard and Samuel Beckett’s works in that it is confusing, entertaining, and yet profound. Some have compared it also to the style of Douglas Adams with it’s quirky humor and fast pace.
I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys reading literary works and satires, advising to do so before watching the show in order to completely understand the universe that has been created.
BIBLIO: Harper, 1990, young adult – adult, $16.99 USA Publisher,
REVIEWER: Laura Lin
FORMAT: paperback, fiction
ISBN: 978-0-06-085397-6
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