Welcome to this deep dive into Terry Pratchett’s brilliant novel, “Thief of Time” (2001). This fantastical adventure is a part of Pratchett’s renowned Discworld series, a comic fantasy series set in a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants which, in turn, stand on the back of a giant turtle. If you are a lover of witty humor, intricate storytelling, and thought-provoking metaphors, this novel might just be the perfect pick for your next read. In this article, we will delve into the realm of Discworld to uncover who might truly appreciate the unique blend of comedy, fantasy, and philosophical musings found in the “Thief of Time”. Whether you’re a seasoned Pratchett devotee or a newcomer to his richly imaginative world, join us as we explore the universal appeal of this remarkable book.
What’s the Plot of Thief of Time (2001)?
Thief of Time, written by Terry Pratchett, is a comic fantasy novel that’s part of the Discworld series. The book revolves around the concept of time manipulation where the Auditors of Reality hire an unorthodox young clockmaker, Jeremy Clockson, to build a perfect glass clock that can trap time. The Auditors, being order-loving immortals, despise unpredictability and want to eliminate the chaos that comes with time passing.
Meanwhile, Death discovers the plot and sends his granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, to stop it. Simultaneously, the history monk Lu-Tze and his apprentice, Lobsang Ludd, also learn about the impending danger and embark on a mission to prevent the catastrophe. Lobsang gradually discovers he has extraordinary abilities, including manipulating time.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Lobsang is Jeremy’s split twin, both created by the History Monks’ temporal meddling. They are the offspring of Time herself and have inherited her powers. Lobsang and Susan work together to stop Jeremy from activating the clock and freezing time forever. They ultimately succeed in preventing the Auditors’ plan. The book ends with Lobsang merging with Jeremy and taking over as the new anthropomorphic personification of Time, and beginning a romantic relationship with Susan.
Main Characters
“Thief of Time” by Terry Pratchett features a diverse cast of characters.
1. Lu-Tze: Known as Sweeper, Lu-Tze is a history monk from the Ramtop Mountains. His knowledge of “Rule One” (“Do not act incautiously when confronting a little bald wrinkly smiling man”) and his mastery of “Déjà Fu”, a martial art where the hands move in time and the feet move in space, are legendary. Despite his lowly disguise as a simple sweeper, Lu-Tze is a master of manipulating time and one of the key figures in maintaining the balance of history.
2. Lobsang Ludd: Lobsang is a novice in the monastery of the History Monks and turns out to be the living personification of Time. He is initially trained by Lu-Tze before discovering his true identity and powers. He is capable of moving through time faster or slower than the normal world, making him virtually omnipresent.
3. Jeremy Clockson: A gifted clockmaker in Ankh-Morpork, Jeremy is commissioned to create a perfect clock. Unbeknownst to him, such a clock could stop Time, wreaking havoc on the universe. He is, in fact, the other half of Lobsang Ludd.
4. Death: A personification of the end of life, Death is a recurring character in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. In “Thief of Time”, he recruits his granddaughter Susan to stop the Auditors.
5. Susan Sto Helit: The pragmatic, logical granddaughter of Death, Susan is a governess with supernatural abilities. She is often pulled into her grandfather’s world to resolve cosmic issues. In this novel, she collaboratively works to prevent the Auditors from ending the world.
6. The Auditors of Reality: The antagonists of the novel, the Auditors are cosmic entities that oversee the universe. They detest individuality and life’s inherent unpredictability and aim to stop time to create a perfect, unchanging universe.
7. Lady LeJean: Initially an Auditor, she takes a human form to commission the clock from Jeremy Clockson. However, she experiences individuality and human emotions, ultimately siding with the protagonists.
8. Nanny Ogg: A witch from the Ramtop Mountains, Nanny Ogg is a source of folklore and practical, earthy wisdom in the novel. She makes a minor appearance, suggesting that the History Monks use Lu-Tze’s ‘Rule One’ against the Auditors.
These characters, with their unique quirks and abilities, drive the engaging narrative of “Thief of Time”, blending humor, philosophy, and adventure in Pratchett’s signature style.
Main Themes of Thief of Time (2001)
Thief of Time, a novel by Terry Pratchett, is infused with several profound themes that are crucial to its plot and characterization. Some of the key themes include time, mortality, and the battle between order and chaos.
1. Time: As the title suggests, time is a significant theme in the novel. The story takes a complex and philosophical view of time, presenting it not only as a linear progression but also as a manipulable dimension. The protagonists are tasked with protecting the timeline from those who would seek to manipulate it for their own ends, creating an intriguing exploration of time’s impact on existence.
2. Mortality: Another central theme is mortality. This theme is explored through the characters of Death and his granddaughter Susan, who are responsible for ensuring that life and death proceed as they should. Death’s unique perspective on mortality offers a nuanced exploration of life’s transience, the inevitability of death, and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
3. Order versus Chaos: The novel also delves into the perpetual struggle between order and chaos, a conflict embodied by the auditors of reality and the History Monks. The auditors seek perfect order and predictability, while the monks understand that a degree of chaos is inherent to life. This theme is a metaphor for the balance between order and spontaneity that defines human existence.
4. Identity and Individuality: Thief of Time also explores themes of identity and individuality. Characters like Lobsang and Jeremy grapple with their identities, raising questions about the nature of the self and the importance of individuality in a universe defined by order and chaos.
5. Destiny and Free Will: The theme of destiny versus free will plays out in the novel’s portrayal of time as both predetermined and changeable. This theme raises questions about whether individuals can change their destinies, a question that becomes especially poignant as the characters confront the potential end of time.
6. The Relativity of Perception: Through the characters’ various experiences and interpretations of time, the book explores the theme of perception’s relativity. Time is portrayed as a subjective experience, highlighting the idea that reality itself may be subjective and dependent on individual perception.
These themes, interwoven throughout the story, add depth to the narrative and provoke thoughtful contemplation in the reader.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you enjoyed reading “Thief of Time” by Terry Pratchett, there are several other books that you may find interesting. They share similar themes, such as fantasy, humor, and intricate plotlines. Here are a few recommendations:
1. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: Another work by Pratchett, this novel is a collaboration with Neil Gaiman. It’s a comedic interpretation of the apocalypse, filled with wit, satirical humor, and a playful take on the prophecies and portents leading up to the end times.
2. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: This is an iconic science fiction comedy series that combines absurdity, wit, and a unique perspective on life, the universe, and everything. If you appreciate Pratchett’s humor and clever social commentary, this is definitely a must-read.
3. “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman: Gaiman’s style, like Pratchett’s, combines humor, adventure, and the supernatural in a unique and entertaining way. “Stardust” is a magical fairy tale for adults, filled with adventure, love, and whimsy.
4. “The Color of Magic” by Terry Pratchett: As the first book in the Discworld series, it’s a great place to start if you haven’t delved into Pratchett’s prolific series yet. It introduces readers to a flat world, balanced on the backs of four elephants, who are standing on the back of a giant turtle, a setup that allows for a vast range of humorous and fantastical adventures.
5. “Going Postal” by Terry Pratchett: This is another Discworld novel, focusing on a con artist given a second chance as the postmaster of a defunct post office. Like “Thief of Time,” it blends humor, fantasy, and biting social commentary.
6. “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” by Susanna Clarke: This novel, set in a historical England where magic once existed and is now returning, offers a blend of fantasy, humor, and intricate plotting that fans of “Thief of Time” may appreciate.
7. “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde: This novel, the first in the Thursday Next series, is set in an alternate 1985 England where literature is taken very seriously. The clever, witty, and complex narrative is similar in tone to Pratchett’s work.
Remember, everyone’s taste in books is different, so you may find that not all of these suggestions are to your liking. However, they all share similarities with “Thief of Time,” so there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy at least some of them.