Interesting Times

Many reviewers found "Interesting Times" to be an ingenious, fantastic, and very funny read, consistently providing humor and entertainment from beginning to end. Readers praised its intelligent parody, with some calling it the most fun they have had reading, full of "intelligently written insanity." The book is celebrated for bringing back beloved characters like Rincewind, Cohen the Barbarian, and The Luggage, offering them new experiences in a fresh setting. Reviewers appreciated its sharp satire, which deftly skewers various aspects of human society, including Western perceptions of the Orient, revolutions, and government, while still delivering a charming and multi-faceted story with underlying wisdom. The narrative was often described as fast-paced, full of action, and delivering satisfying moments of laughter, even on re-reads.

Despite the praise, several readers found "Interesting Times" to be one of the less enjoyable Discworld novels, particularly for those who are not fans of the Rincewind character. Criticisms included Rincewind being perceived as a one-note, cowardly buffoon lacking significant character development, which some found tedious or boring. A significant concern raised was the book's portrayal of the Agatean Empire, with some reviewers finding the conflation of various Asian cultures into a monoculture to be "appallingly racist" or veering too close to hurtful stereotypes. Additionally, some readers were deeply put off by what they considered to be frequent and inappropriate jokes about rape and sexual assault made by Cohen and his crew, which ruined their reading experience. Others felt the book lacked the sophisticated satire and depth of Pratchett's later works, appearing scattered or less polished.

"Interesting Times" emerges as a divisive entry in the Discworld series, offering both the signature Pratchett wit and satirical brilliance, alongside elements that some readers found problematic. While many celebrate it as a hilarious and thought-provoking adventure that cleverly subverts fantasy tropes, others are critical of its cultural portrayals and specific instances of humor. This book is likely to appeal most to established fans of Terry Pratchett who enjoy the Rincewind story arc and appreciate intelligent, often biting, parody. New readers who are open to a unique blend of fantasy and social commentary, and who are not easily put off by potentially sensitive humor or broad cultural satire, might also enjoy it. However, those seeking deep character development, or who are sensitive to portrayals that might be perceived as culturally insensitive or humor relating to sexual assault, may find it a challenging read. Reading earlier Rincewind books is often recommended for full appreciation.