The omens were good, but did this fantasy novel deliver for members? The Tyneside Book Club's Halloween read was an appropriate mix of demons, angels and witches. But while for some it was heaven, for others it was pure purgatory.
Pratchett and Gaiman's novel is a longstanding favourite among fantasy fans and is about to become a TV series starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen. But this is a divisive genre and that's how it proved for club members.
There was love in the room. One member counted it among her favourite books - one she regularly revisits. The blend of humour, appealing characters and deeper messages bringing her back time after time. And another member was similarly enthused with their first go at it. The playfulness, and fun hit the mark and crucially it made them laugh in a world which isn't exactly hilarious at the moment. They also found the best way to read it was to digest the book quickly rather than pay repeated visits.
Others though were lukewarm. Some found elements funny, but then felt other parts fell flat. For some, the book was at its best when it concentrated on the double act of demon Crowley and angel Aziraphale, and less appealing when the focus moved to the supporting cast of characters. Those who dipped in and out, found it a struggle when they returned to its off-kilter world.
For some though the book really didn't appeal, the scattergun humour missing the mark far too often. The fantastical no-rules world seemed to rob the novel of jeopardy. This kind of fantasy, perhaps, not for them.
Nevertheless, there was appreciation of the inventiveness and clever ideas that did appear. Some did find deeper messages relevant to modern life, though one member felt the book became preachy and contrived when it tried to get more serious.
There was interest in how much was written by which author, and how the forthcoming TV adaptation may alter and adjust what was on the page.
Next month the club takes a break from books for a Christmas meal. The reading will return in 2019.
Pratchett and Gaiman's novel is a longstanding favourite among fantasy fans and is about to become a TV series starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen. But this is a divisive genre and that's how it proved for club members.
There was love in the room. One member counted it among her favourite books - one she regularly revisits. The blend of humour, appealing characters and deeper messages bringing her back time after time. And another member was similarly enthused with their first go at it. The playfulness, and fun hit the mark and crucially it made them laugh in a world which isn't exactly hilarious at the moment. They also found the best way to read it was to digest the book quickly rather than pay repeated visits.
Others though were lukewarm. Some found elements funny, but then felt other parts fell flat. For some, the book was at its best when it concentrated on the double act of demon Crowley and angel Aziraphale, and less appealing when the focus moved to the supporting cast of characters. Those who dipped in and out, found it a struggle when they returned to its off-kilter world.
For some though the book really didn't appeal, the scattergun humour missing the mark far too often. The fantastical no-rules world seemed to rob the novel of jeopardy. This kind of fantasy, perhaps, not for them.
Nevertheless, there was appreciation of the inventiveness and clever ideas that did appear. Some did find deeper messages relevant to modern life, though one member felt the book became preachy and contrived when it tried to get more serious.
There was interest in how much was written by which author, and how the forthcoming TV adaptation may alter and adjust what was on the page.
Next month the club takes a break from books for a Christmas meal. The reading will return in 2019.
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