My sister slept with the light on until she was 27. She rightfully blames me. I would leap out of closets with my hands made into claws. I would...
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Maurice, January 30, 2013 (view all comments by Maurice)
Definitely the most readable book of 2012, Very entertaining and very clever. It was very difficult to put it down and, as soon as I finished it, I had to read it again.
david shapiro, January 30, 2013 (view all comments by david shapiro)
Wit and warmth; or creativity and kindness. Pratchett's writing exemplifies these traits more and more. Dodger is a departure from the author's widely loved series of fantasies set in Discworld, but it is no departure from the loving worldview his followers relish. He bandies names we know from history and from other fiction, ranging from The Artful Dodger, the protagonist, to Benjamin Disraeli, who is more of a bit player. I was afraid that this would mean "me too" adoptions, but Pratchett is way too skillful and funny a writer to need Dickens's help to make his story fly. I hope he had a ball writing this. We certainly have had a delightful time reading and--yes, already--rereading Dodger.
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KitKat_317, January 6, 2013 (view all comments by KitKat_317)
Tho I haven't read this book yet, I am sure it's great cuz Terry Pratchett can do no wrong! I'm a huge fan, clearly, and want him to win every award it is possible to win. Including a 2013 Puddly.
wings23, January 1, 2013 (view all comments by wings23)
Once again Terry Pratchett's humor and wit came through with sparkle and grace. Who could have pull it off introducing the beloved "Master Charlie?" Sir Terry Pratchett is a genius.
Photosynthesis, January 1, 2013 (view all comments by Photosynthesis)
Terry Pratchett is a wonderful writer - both in- and outside the Discworld universe. Dodger is a love story to London, and Victorian novels, and Pratchett exceeds far beyond the already high expectations to recreate a gorgeous world with a likeable hero and a fascinating plot.
"Publishers Weekly Review"
by Publishers Weekly,
"This superb novel from Pratchett is relatively subdued in its humor and contains virtually no fantasy, beyond a flavoring of early Victorian alternate history. It's not only a fine Dickensian novel — Dickens himself figures prominently. It follows a sewer-scouring 'tosher' and thief named Dodger, 'a skinny young man who moved with the speed of a snake,' who, like a knight in soiled armor, leaps out of a drain one night to protect a young woman who is being severely beaten. Two of London's most famous figures, Charles Dickens and social reformer Henry Mayhew, appear on the scene a moment later. A complex plot gradually unravels involving the identity of the mystery girl, known only as Simplicity, and the reasons someone powerful wants her dead. Making guest appearances are such luminaries as Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria, and Angela Burdett-Coutts, the richest woman in the world at the time. Full of eccentric characters and carefully detailed London scenes, the tale embodies both Dickens's love for the common man and a fierce desire for social justice. Ages 13 – up. Agent: Colin Smythe. (Oct.)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
"Review"
by Kirkus Reviews,
"Masterful. Unexpected, drily funny and full of the pathos and wonder of life: Don't miss it."
"Review"
by Washington Post,
"Exuberant and irresistible."
"Review"
by Chicago Tribune,
"Fun and fantastic and thoughtful."
"Review"
by Kirkus Reviews (starred review),
"Passionately wise, spectacularly hilarious, and surpassingly humane."
"Review"
by Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review),
"Thrilling, humorous, moving, and most wise."
"Review"
by Booklist (starred review),
"Lovingly crafted and completely enjoyable. The temptation to quote sentences, whole paragraphs, and possibly entire chapters is almost irresistible."
"Review"
by Horn Book (starred review),
"It's a glittering conjuring act, but there's real heart here, too."
"Review"
by Daily Mail (London),
"Wonderful."
"Review"
by SFX (UK),
"Fresh, vibrant and full of energy, a triumph."
"Review"
by Sunday Times (London),
"Masterly and entertaining."
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