Synopsis: Arthur Dent is saved by his friend Ford when the Earth is completely destroyed to make way for an intergalactic bypass. With only the interactive Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy for help, they find themselves caught up in a series of highly improbable adventures.
Score: 3 out of 5
First off, I very much enjoyed the irony and humour of the book. There was one section in particular when Adams was satirising philosophers that had me genuinely laughing out loud. The humour added to the pace of the book nicely, keeping things ticking along without getting boring. The main character, Arthur, was an "everyman" and very easy to relate to and root for. The secondary characters were interesting too, if not fully well rounded.
There was just something about the book that put me off - it seemed crammed full of in-jokes that people enjoy because they are an in-jokes rather than because they are actually funny. Like some kind of exclusive club. Yes, it was slightly amusing for the answer to life, the universe and everything being '42' but I just didn't get why it has become such a big thing in popular culture.
In some ways, Adams was very clever in the book. The Hitchhiker's guide, an interactive book where users add their own content, could be thought of as foreshadowing Wikipedia (and Adams was writing back in 1972). If only his plot showed the same creativity too. The improbability generator just seemed like a very convenient way to get the characters out of some very sticky situations without actually thinking it through. If there are any massive fans out there, please don't hate me for this!
So whilst the book was a light, enjoyable read, it's not one I would read again, and nor will I be reading any of the sequels. It's rare for me to say this, but I much preferred the film adaptation to the book.
The whole book is making fun of science fiction novels and science fiction in general. Science tries to find the answer to life and science fiction speculates some interesting things; to have the answer be something utterly inane like 42 is therefore really amusing. It's funny for science-y people and sci-fi fans. Kinda like how math jokes are mostly only funny to math people.. finance jokes are only funny to people in finance. I'm glad it was at least enjoyable though.
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oops *science fiction novels and science*
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Some books have so much hype and expectation it makes it difficult to live up to. I read Hitchhikers when I was 12 and thought it was hilarous and fun. Now so much history and in-jokes have made a lot of it seem over-familar that I feel like I could alomst quote the whole book despite not having read it in long time! Glad you enjoyed it - even if it isn't your favourite!
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ReplyDeleteI did get the reasoning behind it and I have a science degree so I could see why it should be funny - I just didn't find it funny! Each to their own I suppose....
@Mel
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think things can be over-quoted and then when you actually read the book, it isn't what you thought it would be.
I still enjoyed it though, and have now passed it on to my boyfriend to read!
Nice review Sam :) This book had been recommended to me so much but I somehow always hesitate before picking it up...
ReplyDeleteMy friends have been pushing this book on me for a while now, but I've never picked it up. I've had so many books be overhyped to me that I couldn't enjoy, so I have my reservations. I'm definitely going to check it out, but it isn't at the top of my tbr. xP Thanks for the review, Sam. <3
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I am new to your blog and I discovered it through LifeWordsmith blog. It looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your review of Douglas Adams' book. Glad to know that you liked the book, though it is not one of your favourites. I haven't read the book, but it is there on my 'TBR' list. I have seen the movie though and loved it. For the answer '42', if you would like to read it, I can give my own interpretation of it.
This book is definitely on my TBR before I die pile!
ReplyDeleteI have awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award on my blog!
http://dog-earedandbookmarked.blogspot.com/2010/11/today-dog-eared-bookmarked-reached-two.html
I would recommend either audio version to anyone that commutes or has at least thirty minutes of free time at a stretch. Both versions are well done and are enjoyable to listen to. For anyone who has not experienced audio books before, I would recommend a good tile like this to start off with.
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Another classic. If you don't like this series, you probably put your babel fish in the wrong hole. You are the reason that human beings are only the third most intelligent species on earth behind mice and dolphins. So long, and thanks for all the fish!
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ReplyDeleteI loved it. I recently read it because it was on Amazon.com's '100 Books to read in a lifetime.' I am so glad that I did read it. It is still funny, funny, funny. It is usually not the type of book us older ladies usually read, so maybe it just made me feel young at heart.
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