Published: October 1979
Pages: 216
Series: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy #1
Summary
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.
My thoughts
“He felt that his whole life was some kind of dream and he sometimes wondered whose it was and whether they were enjoying it.”
This book was so much fun. Totally bizarre, filled with humour and I had this done in one evening. Most of this book was me under a blanker in the dark just chuckling to myself. I really enjoyed it. I felt like I was reading something from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, the writing and the style was very like minded. I’m even tempted to give the audio a crack given it’s Stephen Fry narrating. The wit given in his voice would be very enjoyable to listen to.
“Space is big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist’s, but that’s just peanuts to space.”
It is a short book and being a Brit myself, fully encapsulated my feelings about our local council. Given this book was written in the 70s its sad to see nothing has changed in 50 odd years but anyway I digress..
Could you imagine one day fighting for your house to not be demolished, having a pint with a pal and then 30 minutes later being on an alien spaceship and threatened with near death while everyone and everything you knew 30 minutes ago has perished? It sounds rather doom and gloom and I guess it is for Arthur but for the reader it was rather fun and the author doesn’t take anything too seriously.
“This must be Thursday,’ said Arthur to himself, sinking low over his beer. ‘I never could get the hang of Thursdays.”
This is a lighthearted book, a nice easy read and a great palette cleanser. I’m glad to have a new author to pick up when I just need to laugh but want to stick with science fiction/ fantasy.
“For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen.”
Would I recommend?
Yes. If you want something like to the Discworld, an easy plot, fun characters, wit and humour, a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously. You would enjoy this and I will be picking up book two the next time I need a chuckle.