Interesting Times – Summary
Interesting Times is the seventeenth book in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, set in the mysterious Agatean Empire on the Counterweight Continent. The story begins when the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork receives a demand for the “Great Wizzard” to be sent to the Empire. Unseen University’s faculty decides to send Rincewind, a notoriously inept wizard whose hat bears the misspelled word “Wizzard”.
Upon arrival in Agatea, Rincewind finds himself embroiled in a complex political situation. He encounters his old friend Cohen the Barbarian, now leading a group of elderly warriors called the Silver Horde. Cohen plans to take over the Empire and become its new Emperor. Meanwhile, a revolutionary movement called the Red Army, inspired by a travelogue written by Rincewind’s former companion Twoflower, is gaining traction among the youth.
The plot thickens as Rincewind discovers that the villainous Grand Vizier, Lord Hong, has orchestrated the entire situation. Hong aims to use the Red Army as a scapegoat, crush the revolution violently, and then set his sights on conquering Ankh-Morpork. Rincewind inadvertently becomes a key figure in these events, often appearing to perform great feats of magic through sheer coincidence.
As the story unfolds, Rincewind frees Twoflower from a dungeon and meets his two daughters, who are leaders of the Red Army. The conflict escalates, culminating in a battle where Rincewind accidentally discovers and controls an army of terracotta warriors, turning the tide of the fight.
Throughout the novel, two gods, Fate and the Lady, play a game using the characters as pawns, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding events. The story concludes with Cohen becoming the new Emperor, Lord Hong meeting his demise, and Rincewind being teleported to yet another unexplored continent, setting the stage for future adventures.
Key themes:
- The nature of revolution and how it can lead to new forms of tyranny
- The power of words and ideas to inspire change
- The role of chance and fate in shaping events
- The clash between tradition and modernisation
- The absurdity of power structures and political machinations
Character Details
Rincewind
Rincewind is the reluctant protagonist of the novel. A failed wizard from Unseen University, he is known for his cowardice and uncanny ability to survive despite constantly finding himself in dangerous situations. Rincewind’s defining trait is his desire to run away from danger, which ironically often leads him into the heart of significant events. Despite his ineptitude with magic, he frequently appears to perform great feats through sheer luck and coincidence. His practical nature and survival instincts make him an unlikely hero, but one who ultimately plays a crucial role in the story’s resolution.
Cohen the Barbarian
Cohen is an aging barbarian hero and leader of the Silver Horde. Despite his advanced years and physical frailties, he remains a formidable warrior with a lifetime of experience in not dying. Cohen’s ambition to become Emperor of the Agatean Empire drives much of the plot. His character represents the clash between the old ways of might and conquest and the complexities of modern governance. Cohen’s wit, cunning, and sheer audacity make him a memorable and influential figure in the novel.
Lord Hong
As the Grand Vizier of the Agatean Empire, Lord Hong is the primary antagonist of the story. He is a cunning and ambitious man who manipulates events to further his own power. Hong’s fascination with Ankh-Morpork culture, which he secretly emulates while publicly denouncing it, adds depth to his character. His scheme to use the Red Army as a pretext for violent suppression and eventual conquest of Ankh-Morpork showcases his strategic mind and ruthless nature.
Twoflower
Twoflower is Rincewind’s former travelling companion and the unwitting instigator of the Red Army movement. His travelogue about Ankh-Morpork, misinterpreted as a revolutionary tract, sparks the desire for change in the Agatean Empire. Twoflower’s naivety and optimism contrast sharply with the cynical reality of the Empire, making him an important symbol of the power of ideas and the unintended consequences of sharing information.
The Lady
One of the two gods playing a game with the characters’ fates, the Lady represents the element of chance. Her interventions often benefit Rincewind, though in unpredictable ways. The Lady’s opposition to Fate in the novel highlights the theme of free will versus predestination, adding a metaphysical layer to the story’s events.
Reader Fit
Interesting Times would appeal to readers who enjoy satirical fantasy with political undertones. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will appreciate the return of familiar characters like Rincewind and the continuation of the series’ trademark humour and social commentary.
The book is particularly suited for those who enjoy stories that blend comedy with deeper reflections on power, revolution, and cultural clash. Readers interested in parodies of fantasy tropes, especially those related to “chosen one” narratives and barbarian archetypes, will find much to enjoy in this novel.
Quick Facts
Genre: Comic Fantasy
Publication Year: 1994
Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
Notable Awards: None specific to this book, but Terry Pratchett was knighted for his services to literature in 2009.
Related Books
- “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett – Another Discworld novel that deals with political intrigue and unlikely heroes.
- “The Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett – The first Discworld novel, which introduces Rincewind and the concept of the Disc.
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – While not a Discworld novel, it shares a similar satirical approach to cosmic events.
