The first 120 pages are a mishmash of unconnected gibberish mostly consisting of schizophrenic conversations loaded with non-sequesters, as diverse demonic or angelic characters plan for Armageddon and the end of the world. It doesn’t get much better thereafter, although the fantasies of the four 11 year olds in a gang called The Them are at least entertaining and a bit more realistic. The search for the missing Nice and Accurate Prophesies of Agnes Nutter (in indecipherable Olde English) and the magical antics of some of the demons are just plain silly, although there are some great one liners.
The entire book is a less-than-entertaining comeuppance of everything British, but not nearly as enjoyable as Monty Python and the the Holy Grail. If you like reading about the communications of demons plotting evil acts, Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis is far better, although he obviously meant it as a serious defence of Christianity.
This book has become a cult classic or more properly an occult classic with film and T.V. adaptations, but to me it is mostly meaningless gibberish. Although some reviewers describe it as hilarious, what humour there is is too slapstick for my liking. Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion has much better wry humour.
I would not have read through to the end if it were not on the list for our book club discussion next month. I may need to revise my opinion of it after that discussion if someone can point out some redeeming features of it.
Thanks,
Tony.
The Passionate Reader 