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Strata

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Strata by Terry Pratchett is an early science fiction novel that introduces a disc-shaped world where a group of characters embark on an adventure to explore and understand its mysteries. The book blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, showcasing Pratchett's trademark wit and creativity. It features a mix of humor, creativity, and originality as the characters navigate through a world that challenges their perceptions and beliefs. The narrative unfolds with a fast-paced and entertaining plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Strata is a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy that offers a fresh perspective on world-building and exploration. The book delves into themes of evolution, creation, and the interconnectedness of different life forms in the universe. Pratchett's writing style is clever and humorous, with a touch of irreverence that sets the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and have potential, though some feel less developed and more stereotypical.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by whimsical humor and occasional satire, though it lacks the polish of Pratchett's later novels.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a planetary engineer's journey to explore the mysteries of a flat disc-shaped world, blending adventure with cultural insights.

Setting:

The setting features a unique disc-shaped world interwoven with technological and historical elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally quick, but it suffers from disjointedness in certain sections, which may affect overall coherence.
It was, of course, a beautiful day – a Company brochure day. At the moment Kin’s office overlooked a palm-fringed lagoon. White water broke over the outer reef, and the beach was of crushed white cora...

Notes:

Strata is one of Terry Pratchett's earliest works and is a standalone science fiction novel.
It features a flat world that serves as an early prototype for the later Discworld series.
The main character, Kin Arad, is a planetary engineer who constructs planets for a living.
Strata explores themes of different cultures and cosmic perspectives, particularly highlighting misunderstandings between beings of various backgrounds.
Characters in the book occasionally reflect on deep philosophical ideas, despite the lighter tone.
It includes elements of humor, but not as much as Pratchett's later works, such as the Discworld series.
The plot involves a journey to a disc-shaped world, paralleling ideas found in Pratchett's subsequent famous novels.
Strata was originally published in 1981 and is significantly different in tone from the more polished Discworld stories.
The book has a mix of sci-fi and fantasy tropes, showcasing Pratchett's creativity even in his early writing.
It can be seen as an unofficial prequel to the Discworld series, offering insights into how Pratchett developed his iconic flat planet concept.

From The Publisher:

THE COMPANY BUILDS PLANETS.

Kin Arad is a high-ranking official of the Company. After twenty-one decades of living, and with the help of memory surgery, she is at the top of her profession.

Discovering two of her employees have placed a fossilized plesiosaur in the wrong stratum, not to mention the fact it is holding a placard which reads, 'End Nuclear Testing Now', doesn't dismay the woman who built a mountain range in the shape of her initials during her own high-spirited youth.

But then came discovery of something which didintrigue Kin Arad.

A flat earth was something new...

Ratings (7)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (2)
 
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