by Suzy Stembridge

Created on: September 29, 2010

“Good Omens”, is a book that was first published in 1990 and has accumulated a cult following in the fantasy genre. Authored by long time comedy novelist Terry Pratchett, known for his “Discwold” series and by Neil Gaiman, science fiction storyteller, famous for “Caroline”, the fruit of their collaboration is a wonderfully humorous look at the end of the world, through the eyes of an angel and a demon, both affectionate towards Earth and its people.  

Apocalypse has a due date as two women give birth to boys, one of them the antichrist. It is foretold in the book of Agnes Nutter the prophesying witch, that once the boy turns 11, he and his Hellhound will unleash the forces of destruction that will end Earth. Due to some cosmic joke, the antichrist, switched at birth, now known as Adam Young, is completely off the radar of his otherworld guardians, accompanied by an adorable pet, acutely named Dog. Soon, Adam realizes that his imagination produces strange effects much to the entertainment of his 4 friends. The hunt is on to find Adam in hopes of influencing the fate of Armageddon. Crowley, a demon from hell, with Azirphale, an angel from heaven, need to get to Adam to postpone Armageddon as they like it too much here on Earth. Anathema Device, witch and the descendant of Agnes Nutter teams up with Newton Pulsifer, member of the Witchfinder Army and unknowing descendant of the same Pulsifer who burnt Agnes at the stake. Together they try to decipher the prophecies to stop Armegeddon. Four horsemen of the Apocalypse (one of them is a woman of course) set out to start the ending of the world. Along for the ride is Sergeant Shadwell, the last member of The Witchfinder Army and Madame Tracy his obscure neighbor.  

The plot intertwines between several characters, interlinking from the beginning until the final climax in the end where everything falls into place. Characters like Newton Pulsifer, and Azirphale add unwitting beguilement while Sergeant Shadwell and Agnes Nutter are downright laugh-out-loud. In every character’s rendering there is a punch line, prepared by detailed narration. You’d have to settle comfortably enough to collect dust to fully appreciate the intricate humor of this book. While satisfyingly entertaining, if you have the time to peruse many pages at a time, this is not for the instant gratification readers.    

Anyone who completes this book will admit that it is a cult classic and will forever be a fan’s favorite. New readers will be easily won-over by its charm, wit and comfort. Children should not be encouraged to add this to their reading list as it tackles the inevitable end to the human race, questions the presence of good and evil and has numerous counts of the world “nipples”. However if you are eligible for the contents that are rated PG13, it will prove to be one wild ride. Armageddon has never looked so hilarious. 

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