Interesting Times (Discworld, #17; Rincewind, #5)

Title: Interesting Times (Discworld, #17; Rincewind, #5)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Published in: 1994

Date read: 1st January 1996

Score: 5/5

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Interesting Times" by Terry Pratchett is the 15th novel in his Discworld series, and the second to prominently feature the hapless, luggage-carrying tourist Twoflower, and the cynical but surprisingly competent wizard, Rincewind. Published in 1994, it's a satirical adventure that lampoons totalitarian regimes, cultural misunderstanding, and the absurdities of warfare.

The story primarily takes place in the Agatean Empire, the Discworld's equivalent of Imperial China or Japan, a vast and highly regimented nation located on the far side of the Discworld. The Empire is ruled by the iron fist of a despotic Emperor, advised by a manipulative Grand Vizier. However, the Emperor is dying, and the Grand Vizier and various warlords are vying for power, leading to widespread political instability and the threat of civil war.

The story kicks off when the Grand Vizier, Lord Hong, discovers that the legendary "Red Army," a revolutionary force believed to be a myth, is about to rise. A prophecy states that the return of this army will be heralded by a "Great Wizzard." Through a convoluted misunderstanding (and a desperate wizard trying to order some takeaways via a magical communication device), the Unseen University in Ankh-Morpork mistakenly receives a message calling for the "Great Wizzard" and decides to send Rincewind, the Discworld's most cowardly and least competent wizard, to the Agatean Empire.

Meanwhile, Twoflower, the Discworld's first-ever tourist, who was last seen returning home at the end of "The Light Fantastic," has also returned to the Agatean Empire. He has brought with him revolutionary ideas about taxation and democracy from Ankh-Morpork, unwittingly sowing the seeds of rebellion. His legendary Luggage (a sentient, multi-legged chest with a ferocious appetite) is, of course, with him.

Rincewind arrives in the Agatean Empire and, by sheer accident and the misinterpretations of the locals, is immediately hailed as the "Great Wizzard" and the leader of the mythical Red Army. He is utterly bewildered by this turn of events, wanting nothing more than to escape the dangerous political landscape. He finds himself reluctantly caught between the warring factions, constantly trying (and failing) to avoid becoming a leader or a martyr.

The novel features a cast of colourful characters, including:
• The Vizier's assassins: Highly trained and seemingly emotionless warriors.
• Old Man Fun Pun: A blind revolutionary leader.
• The Seven Samurai (or the Seven Formidables): A group of warrior monks who protect the Emperor's palace and are bound by rigid codes of honor.
• Cohen the Barbarian: The legendary (and now very old) hero, who, along with his Silver Horde (a group of equally ancient barbarian warriors), has come to the Empire to raid the palace before it falls apart.

As Rincewind tries to escape, he accidentally ignites a full-scale revolution and civil war. He and Twoflower (who eventually reconnect) navigate battles, political intrigue, philosophical debates about freedom vs. order, and the general absurdity of a society clinging to ancient traditions in the face of inevitable change. The Luggage, as always, causes its own brand of chaos.

The climax involves a chaotic battle for the Imperial Palace, with Rincewind trying to escape, Cohen and his Horde trying to loot, and various factions fighting for control. "Interesting Times" is a hilarious and insightful satire on revolution, totalitarianism, and the enduring power of (mis)communication, all wrapped in a classic Discworld adventure.

Comments:
The date that I read this is basically "pre Summer of 1996". I can only track it down to when I moved house as a child and my older brother was throwing it out. I was bored, I tried it and loved it. When I "grew up" and moved out, I started to work through the Discworld series using my local library. I loved them all but this is where it all started!

Books that we've read by Terry Pratchett (39):
The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1; Rincewind, #1) (1983), The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2) (1986), Equal Rites (Discworld, #3; Witches, #1) (1987), Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1) (1987), Sourcery (Discworld, #5; Rincewind, #3) (1988), Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches, #2) (1988), Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8; City Watch, #1) (1989), Pyramids (Discworld, #7) (1989), Eric (Discworld, #9; Rincewind, #4) (1990), Moving Pictures (Discworld, #10; Industrial Revolution, #1) (1990), Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12; Witches, #3) (1991), Reaper Man (Discworld, #11; Death, #2) (1991), Small Gods (Discworld, #13) (1992), Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches, #4) (1992), Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch, #2) (1993), Soul Music (Discworld, #16; Death, #3) (1994), Interesting Times (Discworld, #17; Rincewind, #5) (1994), Maskerade (Discworld, #18; Witches, #5) (1995), Feet of Clay (Discworld, #19; City Watch, #3) (1996), Hogfather (Discworld, #20; Death, #4) (1996), Jingo (Discworld, #21; City Watch, #4) (1997), Carpe Jugulum (Discworld, #23; Witches, #6) (1998), The Last Continent (Discworld, #22; Rincewind, #6) (1998), The Fifth Elephant (Discworld, #24; City Watch, #5) (1999), The Truth (Discworld, #25) (2000), The Last Hero (Discworld, #27; Rincewind, #7) (2001), Thief of Time (Discworld, #26; Death, #5) (2001), Night Watch (Discworld, #29; City Watch, #6) (2002), The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1) (2003), Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3) (2003), A Hat Full of Sky (Discworld, #32; Tiffany Aching, #2) (2004), Going Postal (Discworld, #33; Moist von Lipwig, #1) (2004), Thud! (Discworld, #34; City Watch, #7) (2005), Wintersmith (Discworld, #35; Tiffany Aching, #3) (2006), Making Money (Discworld, #36; Moist Von Lipwig, #2) (2007), Unseen Academicals (Discworld, #37; Rincewind, #8) (2009), I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld, #38; Tiffany Aching, #4) (2010), Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch, #8) (2011), Raising Steam (Discworld, #40; Moist von Lipwig, #3) (2013)