Our Good Omens book banter

It’s been 30 years since Good Omens was first published. I don’t know why it took me so long to hear about this best-seller. Since their Good Omens days, the collaborators have earned many other literary successes. Read about our Good Omens book banter and review for our impressions.

Before you begin reading the book, be sure to look up the definition for ineffable. This little-used but evocative English word was an integral part of the entertaining dialog. It was one quirky aspect that made this deceptively delightful book so humorous.

Good Omen’s plot revolves around a climactic end to our world, which we call Earth. Ever since I had been a child who was forced to attend church, I was force-fed scenarios which involved fire, destruction, death, and judgment to our home planet.

For me, the menacing themes in this book sounded familiar. Along with all the perils, however, came a light-hearted, comical approach to humanity’s ultimate end.

At first, the comic-relief and light-hearted approach to sudden death and destruction bothered me. Plus, the good guys (from heaven) and the bad guys (from hell) seemed a lot alike.

This end-of-times story was a lot different from what I had learned in Sunday School as a child. In a way, though, the story was very similar. Maybe it was that similarity that also bothered me, just a little bit.

As I continued to read, the unique, uncommon characters helped me visualize Armageddon in a not-so-serious vein. I found that the best way to enjoy Good Omens was to sit back, open my mind, and enjoy the somewhat disturbing journey. It quickly became a fun ride, even if it did lead to hell.

I enjoyed all the many interesting characters. Thankfully, the two authors included a list of the cast, including a brief description. As I read the book, I referred to the list often.

There were characters from heaven, hell, as well as human beings just like us. The breakdown includes:

Supernatural Beings, such as Satan and Crowley

Apocalyptic Horsepersons, including War, Pollution, and more

Humans, including a prophetess, a Catholic Father and Sister, and Them

plus

Dog, which like many earthly dogs, was a cat-worrier

The evocative writing style of the two authors breathed life into all the characters. Each one, even the spiritual characters from heaven and hell, had traits we could all identify with.

The believability of the story along with the life-like characters was at first disturbing for me. And, ‘disturbing’ is a good thing. As I got to know them and identify with their plights, I was able to enjoy their comical responses and observations.

For me, the most fun part of this book were all the unique characters.

Despite the vivid writing styles and quirky characters, I didn’t find myself rooting or cheering for any particular character.

In other words, Good Omens had many interesting characters, but no primary protagonist. There was an entourage of quirkiness that made the book a delight to read, but I couldn’t focus in on one person to empathize with.

For instance, in Seabiscuit, I found myself cheering as Red rode Seabiscuit through defeats and victories. In The Boys in the Boat, the main protagonist was introduced in the first chapter, and I followed him from his childhood to the Olympic games in Germany.

I think if there had been one specific character that I had became emotionally involved in, it would have been an even better book.

I loved the ending. Even though I had figured out what the ending might be before I started the second chapter, the way it ended was a surprise. In fact, it was a delightfully surprising way to reach the conclusion.

And that’s all I can say about that. After all, I don’t want to spoil the ending for you.

TAKEAWAYS AND RECOMMENDATION

Overall, Good Omens was a fantastic book with engaging characters. Other than the one short-coming I mentioned above, I’d recommend this book for every person who loves to read.

The authors, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, will conjure up disturbing and humorous images for you all at the same time. I think you’ll like it.

Thanks for reading our Good Omens book banter and book review! If you’ve already read the book, please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Content and photos by Doug Martin and Our Book Banter