Good Omens – Summary
Good Omens is a delightfully witty and irreverent tale of the impending apocalypse, centred around an unlikely friendship between an angel and a demon. The story begins with Aziraphale, a fussy angel, and Crowley, a suave demon, who have grown rather fond of their lives on Earth over the millennia. When they learn that the Antichrist has been born and Armageddon is set to begin, they form an unlikely alliance to prevent the end of the world.
The plot revolves around a mix-up at the hospital where the Antichrist, Adam Young, is mistakenly given to an ordinary English family instead of the American diplomat’s wife as intended. As Adam grows up in the idyllic village of Lower Tadfield, he unknowingly begins to shape reality around him, causing peculiar occurrences that attract the attention of various supernatural and human factions.
Meanwhile, Aziraphale and Crowley frantically search for the misplaced Antichrist, hoping to influence him towards a balanced view of good and evil. Their quest is complicated by the assembling of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War, Famine, Pollution (Pestilence having retired after the discovery of penicillin) and Death.
The story also follows Anathema Device, a descendant of the witch Agnes Nutter, who left behind a book of remarkably accurate prophecies. Anathema teams up with Newton Pulsifer, a descendant of the witchfinder who burned Agnes at the stake, in an attempt to interpret the prophecies and prevent the apocalypse.
As the forces of Heaven and Hell prepare for the final battle, Adam and his group of friends, known as “The Them”, become central to the unfolding events. Adam, realising his true nature and the power he wields, must decide whether to embrace his destiny as the Antichrist or choose his own path.
The narrative culminates in a showdown at a military airbase, where Adam confronts the Four Horsemen and makes a crucial decision about the fate of the world. In the end, it’s not the grand plans of Heaven or Hell that determine the outcome, but rather the power of free will and the unexpected wisdom of an 11-year-old boy.
Throughout the novel, Gaiman and Pratchett blend humour, satire and philosophical musings to create a unique and entertaining exploration of good, evil and the grey areas in between. The book challenges traditional notions of destiny and divine plans, suggesting that human choices and relationships are what truly shape the world.
Key themes:
- The nature of good and evil
- Free will vs predestination
- The power of friendship and cooperation
- The absurdity of bureaucracy (both celestial and infernal)
- The impact of human choices on the grand scheme of things
- The value of Earth and human existence
Character Details
Aziraphale
Aziraphale is an angel and one of the main protagonists of Good Omens. Originally the guardian of the Eastern Gate of Eden, he has lived on Earth since its creation and has grown to love humanity and their various indulgences. Aziraphale is portrayed as a fussy, book-loving being who owns an antiquarian bookshop in London’s Soho. He has a particular fondness for fine cuisine and rare first editions.
Despite his angelic nature, Aziraphale is not above bending the rules when it suits him. He forms an unlikely friendship with the demon Crowley, and together they work to prevent Armageddon. Aziraphale’s character embodies the complexity of good and evil, showing that even divine beings can be conflicted and morally ambiguous. His journey throughout the novel challenges his loyalty to Heaven and forces him to question the true nature of God’s ineffable plan.
Crowley
Crowley, formerly known as Crawly, is a demon and the other main protagonist of the story. He was originally the serpent who tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. Like Aziraphale, Crowley has been living on Earth since its creation and has developed a deep appreciation for humanity and their inventions, particularly cars and music.
Crowley is portrayed as a suave, stylish character with a rebellious streak. He’s often seen sporting sunglasses to hide his snake-like eyes and driving a vintage Bentley at breakneck speeds through London. Despite being a demon, Crowley is not inherently evil; he simply considers himself to be “an angel who did not so much fall as saunter vaguely downwards”.
His friendship with Aziraphale and his fondness for Earth lead him to actively work against Hell’s plans for Armageddon. Crowley’s character challenges the traditional notion of demons as purely evil beings, instead presenting a nuanced view of morality and redemption.
Adam Young
Adam Young is the Antichrist and a central character in Good Omens. Due to a mix-up at the hospital, he was raised by ordinary parents in the quaint village of Lower Tadfield instead of being brought up as the son of an American diplomat. As a result, Adam grows up as a normal, albeit charismatic and imaginative, 11-year-old boy.
Adam is the leader of a group of children known as “The Them” and has a dog named Dog (who is actually a hellhound in disguise). As he approaches his eleventh birthday, Adam begins to unconsciously use his powers to shape reality around him, causing various supernatural occurrences.
Despite being the Antichrist, Adam’s character represents the power of free will and human nature. When faced with the choice to bring about Armageddon, he ultimately decides to preserve the world he knows and loves, defying both Heaven and Hell in the process. Adam’s journey highlights the themes of nature versus nurture and the importance of personal choice in shaping one’s destiny.
Anathema Device
Anathema Device is a practical occultist and the last descendant of Agnes Nutter, a 17th-century witch who wrote the only truly accurate book of prophecies in history. Anathema has dedicated her life to studying and interpreting Agnes’s prophecies, which leads her to Tadfield in an attempt to prevent the apocalypse.
Intelligent, determined and slightly eccentric, Anathema embodies the blend of modernity and tradition that runs throughout the novel. She uses both her ancestral knowledge and modern technology in her quest to save the world. Anathema’s character provides a human perspective on the supernatural events unfolding around her and serves as a bridge between the magical and mundane aspects of the story.
Newton Pulsifer
Newton Pulsifer, often called Newt, is a descendant of Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer, the witchfinder who burned Agnes Nutter at the stake. Newt is a bumbling but well-meaning young man who becomes the newest recruit of the Witchfinder Army, led by Sergeant Shadwell.
Despite his ancestral connection to witch finding, Newt is hopeless at the job and has a knack for accidentally destroying any electronic device he touches. This seemingly useless trait becomes crucial in averting the apocalypse. Newt’s character represents the ordinary person caught up in extraordinary events, and his relationship with Anathema adds a touch of romance to the apocalyptic narrative.
Reader Fit
Good Omens is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Witty, irreverent humour and clever wordplay
- Fantasy and supernatural elements blended with everyday life
- Satirical takes on religion, bureaucracy and human nature
- Unlikely friendships and character dynamics
- British comedy and cultural references
- Thought-provoking themes wrapped in an entertaining package
Fans of Terry Pratchett‘s Discworld series or Neil Gaiman‘s other works will find much to love in this collaborative effort.
It’s also an excellent choice for those who appreciate Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy or readers looking for a light-hearted yet intelligent approach to the apocalypse genre.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic fantasy, Satirical fiction
- Publication Year: 1990
- Reading Time Estimate: Approximately 8-10 hours (400 pages)
- Notable Awards: Nominated for World Fantasy Award for Best Novel (1991), Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel (1991)
Related Books
- “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman
- “Small Gods” by Terry Pratchett
- “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman
Buy the Book
Dive into the hilarious and thought-provoking world of Good Omens today!
Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, comedy or just brilliant storytelling, this book offers a unique blend of wit, wisdom, and wonderfully crafted characters. Don’t miss out on this cult classic that has captivated readers for decades and inspired a hit TV series.
Get your copy now and join Aziraphale and Crowley on their quest to save the world!
