RIP Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett, one of my favourite authors, died on March 12.  I have all of his books, and they have given me hours of unadulterated pleasure. I get really cross when people dismiss him as a fantasy writer.  Yes, many of his books are set in an imaginary world that is flat, travelling through space on the back of giant tortoises.  Yes, there can be magic and strange goings on. 

But trying to contain Terry Pratchett in

"I Shall Wear Midnight" by Terry Pratchett
Midnight blue leather studded with diamonds

a little box called fantasy is as descriptive as saying that chocolate is brown.  While factually true, it does nothing to describe the sensual pleasure and the explosion of flavours and sensations that putting a piece of chocolate in your mouth brings.  Terry Pratchett's books are funny, and I mean laugh out loud on the bus funny.  They are satirical, perceptive, honest, revealing, intriguing, touching, informative.  In my modest view, Terry Pratchett was a genius. 

One of my favourite books of his is "I Shall Wear Midnight", which is actually part of a parallel series to the better known Discworld series.  It is my tribute to him.  The world is a poorer place without his brilliant writing.  I hope he is in a better place.