Feet of Clay - Murders, Golems and Political Commentary!

I received my copy of "Feet of Clay" on Tuesday of this week. Fast-forward to Thursday, I am closing it with the utmost satisfaction and unbridled joy that only a good, nay a great book can provide.  

On a sidenote, I would like to point out these posts are not in depth reviews. They are merely my thoughts on what I liked or disliked about the book. It is more about capturing my emotions, state of mind when I read the book. Mostly in service of a future me.

Previous books and Prevailing Themes

Just like any other Discworld novel, Feet of Clay mostly works as a standalone book. But you will be better off having read the previous two ones - "Guards! Guards!" and "Men at Arms". The latter is one of my all-time favorite books. The progression here is akin to that of seasons in a TV show. By that, I mean the characters are allowed to grow into their own with each book. The status quo expands and changes, subtle threads from previous books are touched upon, and so forth.

As expected of City Watch books, Pratchett again writes about heavy topics such as the free will, bigotry, prejudice, feminism, identity and so on. All of this wrapped up in an engaging political who-dun-it. Pratchett has strong opinions and it shows. He never tries to play it safe, and the books are better for it. He confronts the readers and tries to provoke into thinking about their biases or existing stances.

A Web of Plot lines

One thing I like here is that this is essentially a sci-fi novel about robots but set in Discworld. We have Golems who are "programmed" to follow Asimov's first two laws -  a robot shall not harm a human and a robot shall obey any instruction given to it by its master. But we have a rogue Golem killing seemingly random people. The rest of the story is about how, why and what.

That is the main through line, but we have other separate main threads that seemingly weave together at the end. There is the main mystery surrounding the Patrician, who is subjected to slow poison. We have a dwarf who isn't like other dwarves and is discovering her identity. Another one about royalty and political coup. And to have each one moving at a reasonable pace, would require some tight writing. Pratchett achieves exactly that without sacrificing humor.

Action is seemingly improved from the previous book. Much more engaging set pieces and riveting action.

Characters that I really am fond of

The characters are excellently written as always. I have come to admire the dynamic of Samuel Vimes and Carrot Ironfounderson. While it is not as prevalent as it was in the previous book, there are subtle nods that again deepens each other. Havelock Vetnari, shines in the limited space he is given.  The new characters, especially Cheery Littlebottom, are well written. Angua returns and is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. Her relationship with Cherry is one of the better female friendships portrayed. And I have to mention Angua and Carrot are just great to together. I haven't seen a more realistic depiction of insecurities and doubts prevailing in a great relationship.

We have Golems, mysterious dead bodies, a dictator who is being poisoned very slowly, running livestock and a dwarf who is discovering her identity. I mean, what more can one ask for. The whole series is a must-read in my eyes.

Post Scriptum

Though I still think Men at Arms is the best book in the series so far, Feet of Clay comes damn near close. It is well written, humorous and amusing. Not to mention engaging with its political commentary.

I am deeply saddened that the next book won't arrive till Tuesday. Don't know what I am going to do till then. Maybe re-read Hogfather. I don't know. If you have suggestions or comments, please leave them below. Or reach out to me.

Also, please give Discworld Novels a try! Thank you and appreciate taking the time to read.