Title: The Carpet People
Author: Terry Pratchett
First published January 1, 1971
296 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780544212473 (ISBN10: 0544212479)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
In the book “Unexpected Lessons”, Arden and Gabe are good friends who decide to explore their sexual desires together. Arden wants to keep things hypothetical, but Gabe is willing to take things to the next level.
As they navigate their new dynamic, Gabe realizes he has feelings for Arden and wants to win her over. With plenty of sparks and steamy moments, “Unexpected Lessons” is a fun and flirty romp that proves sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.
About the Author
Sir Terry Pratchett, whose full name was Terence David John Pratchett, sold his first story at the age of thirteen. He was able to buy a second-hand typewriter with the earnings.
In 1971, his first novel, a humorous fantasy titled The Carpet People, was published by Colin Smythe. Terry worked as a journalist and press officer for many years, writing in his spare time and publishing several novels, including his first Discworld novel in 1983.
He started writing full time in 1987.
There are more than 40 books in the Discworld series, four of which are written for children. The first of these novels, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, won the Carnegie Medal.
Good Omens, a non-Discworld book he co-authored with Neil Gaiman in 1990, has been a long-time bestseller. It was reissued in hardcover by William Morrow in early 2006, and it is also available as a mass-market paperback and trade paperback.
In 2008, Harper Children’s published Terry’s standalone non-Discworld young adult novel, Nation. His last novel, The Shepherd’s Crown, was published in October 2011.
Pratchett is regarded as one of the most significant contemporary English-language satirists. He won numerous literary awards and was named an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 for services to literature.
He also received honorary doctorates from several universities for his contribution to public service.
In December 2007, Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. On February 18, 2009, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
He was awarded the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award in 2010.
Sir Terry Pratchett passed away on March 12th, 2015.
Editoral Review
The Carpet People is a delightful young adult fantasy novel written by Terry Pratchett and first published in the UK in 1971. Known for his humorous and satirical approach to fantasy writing, Pratchett is the author of the popular Discworld series.
In this early work, he demonstrates his imaginative and inventive storytelling skills. The story of The Carpet People takes place in a world hidden beneath the carpets of our own world.
There are many tribes of tiny people who live in this world, including the Munrungs, who live in the fringes of the carpet, and the powerful and mysterious Weavers, who create and control the carpet’s patterns. When the Munrungs’ village is destroyed by the terrifying Mouls, a group of adventurers, led by the brave and resourceful Fray, sets out to find a new home.
The plot of The Carpet People is engaging and humorous, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Pratchett deftly blends adventure, mystery, and humor to create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The themes of the novel, particularly the power of storytelling and the need for cooperation and trust in the face of danger, are universal and timeless. Pratchett’s prose is lively and engaging, with a clever use of wordplay and humor throughout.
His writing is particularly effective in creating vivid and imaginative descriptions of the carpet people and their world. The pacing of the novel is also well-crafted, with a steady build-up of suspense and tension that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
The book’s characters, particularly Fray and his companions, are well-developed and likable. Pratchett skillfully portrays their personalities and motivations, making them feel real and relatable.
The world-building in The Carpet People is also impressive, with a richly imagined and detailed setting that is unlike anything else in fantasy literature. While The Carpet People is a novel intended for young readers, its themes and storytelling are relevant to readers of all ages.
The book’s emphasis on the importance of stories and the need for cooperation and tolerance in the face of danger is particularly timely in today’s world. However, the book’s pacing may be a bit slow for readers used to faster-paced action in contemporary young adult fantasy.
The book’s length and the unusual structure of its chapters may also be a challenge for some readers. Overall, The Carpet People is a charming and imaginative fantasy novel that showcases Terry Pratchett’s early talents as a writer.
Fans of his later works, as well as readers of all ages who enjoy well-crafted fantasy stories, will find much to enjoy in this delightful book. Rating: 4/5 Stars.
