Reviews

Yes, it's about football. But as is the case with Pratchett's earlier novels, it investigates all sorts of other topics. It's longer than most of the other Discworld books, and perhaps a little too long? But we get to revisit many of Pratchett's characters and the new characters of Mr Nutt and Glenda are wonderful.

As always, Stephen Briggs' narration is genius.

genteelblackhole's review against another edition

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3.0

I wasn’t relishing the thought of reading this one. The Wizards subseries tend to be my least favourite Discworld books, and I have zero interest in football, which puts me at a disadvantage on two counts. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised. Most of it isn’t really about football at all, but about things like racism, social mobility, and mob mentality. There’s some nice Shakespeare references, a hint of romance, and mercifully small amounts of Rincewind (relegated from the star of early Discworld to brief cameos here).

But the climactic football match does lose me a little, and much of the plot and themes feel to me like by-the-numbers Pratchett. Better than I was hoping (and certainly better than Interesting Times), but still in the lower ranks of my Discworld order of preference.

bursar's review

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

thebrashbookshelf's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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