Thief of Time – Summary
In Terry Pratchett’s “Thief of Time”, the 26th novel in his Discworld series, the fabric of reality is threatened by the construction of a perfect clock. The Auditors of Reality, beings obsessed with order and predictability, hire Jeremy Clockson, a brilliant but socially awkward clockmaker, to build this clock. Unbeknownst to Jeremy, the completion of this timepiece would freeze time itself, effectively ending the chaotic and unpredictable nature of human existence.
As this threat looms, several parties spring into action. Death, the anthropomorphic personification of mortality, cannot directly intervene but enlists the help of his granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit. Susan, a no-nonsense schoolteacher with inherited supernatural abilities, reluctantly leaves her ordinary life to prevent the apocalypse.
Meanwhile, the History Monks, who ensure the proper flow of time, dispatch their most legendary member, Lu-Tze, known as the Sweeper. Lu-Tze is accompanied by his promising apprentice, Lobsang Ludd, a young man with an extraordinary affinity for time manipulation. As they embark on their mission, it becomes clear that Lobsang’s abilities are far from ordinary, hinting at a greater destiny.
The story unfolds across various locations in Discworld, from the chaotic streets of Ankh-Morpork to the serene monastery of Oi Dong. As the disparate groups race against time (quite literally), they encounter a host of colourful characters, including a rogue Auditor who begins to experience human emotions, and Ronnie Soak, a mild-mannered milkman with a secret identity.
The narrative cleverly intertwines elements of Eastern philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, with Pratchett’s signature blend of humour and social commentary. The concept of time itself is explored in depth, challenging readers to consider its nature and impact on human existence.
As the clock nears completion, the stakes rise. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are called to ride, but complications arise when the fifth horseman, who quit before they became famous, is needed to complete the group. The final confrontation brings together all the storylines in a climactic and surprising resolution that questions the nature of humanity, time, and choice.
Throughout the novel, Pratchett weaves in his characteristic wit and wordplay, using the premise to comment on human nature, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the importance of living in the moment. The story culminates in a thought-provoking conclusion that leaves readers pondering the nature of time and humanity long after the last page is turned.
Key themes:
- The nature and perception of time
- Order versus chaos
- The value of human unpredictability and imperfection
- Identity and self-discovery
- The power of choice and free will
Character Details
Jeremy Clockson
Jeremy Clockson is a brilliant clockmaker with a singular focus on precision and accuracy. Socially awkward and somewhat detached from normal human interactions, Jeremy finds solace and purpose in the predictable world of clockwork. His genius in horology makes him the perfect candidate for the Auditors’ plan to build the glass clock that could stop time.
Jeremy’s character is marked by a strict adherence to routine and an almost obsessive need for exactness. This is exemplified by his past action of killing a fellow clockmaker for running his clocks five minutes fast. Despite being medicated to control his extreme tendencies, Jeremy’s passion for his craft remains undiminished.
As the story progresses, Jeremy becomes an unwitting pawn in the Auditors’ scheme, his desire for perfection in timekeeping blinding him to the potential consequences of his actions. His character serves as a reflection on the dangers of pursuing perfection at the expense of the messy, unpredictable aspects of life that make it worth living.
Susan Sto Helit
Susan Sto Helit, Death’s granddaughter, is a pragmatic and no-nonsense young woman who tries to live a normal life as a schoolteacher despite her extraordinary heritage. With her striking black and white hair and the ability to manipulate reality, Susan is a formidable character who reluctantly gets drawn into cosmic events.
Susan’s character is defined by her attempts to balance her supernatural abilities with a desire for an ordinary existence. She approaches even the most fantastical situations with a practical, often sardonic attitude. Her teaching methods, which involve transporting her classroom through time and space for history lessons, demonstrate her unique approach to education and life.
As she embarks on the mission to save the world, Susan’s character evolves, forcing her to confront her heritage and the responsibilities that come with her unique position in the universe. Her dry wit and no-nonsense approach to supernatural phenomena provide much of the book’s humour and serve as a grounding element in the face of cosmic absurdities.
Lu-Tze
Lu-Tze, known as the Sweeper, is a legendary figure among the History Monks of Oi Dong. Despite his unassuming appearance as a humble sweeper, Lu-Tze is one of the most powerful and respected members of his order. His character embodies the Zen-like philosophy of the History Monks, often speaking in cryptic sayings and demonstrating a deep understanding of time and its workings.
Lu-Tze’s approach to both life and time manipulation is unconventional, preferring practical experience and street smarts over formal training. His wisdom is often imparted through seemingly simple observations, which carry profound implications when understood properly.
As a mentor to Lobsang Ludd, Lu-Tze plays a crucial role in guiding the young apprentice and unravelling the mystery at the heart of the story. His character serves as a bridge between the esoteric world of the History Monks and the practical realities of the Discworld, often providing both comic relief and sage advice in equal measure.
Lobsang Ludd
Lobsang Ludd is a young apprentice of the History Monks with an extraordinary natural talent for manipulating time. Initially introduced as a troublesome novice with a knack for making things disappear, Lobsang’s true nature and abilities gradually unfold throughout the story.
Lobsang’s character is marked by a quick wit, adaptability, and an innate understanding of time that surpasses even his teachers. His journey of self-discovery forms a central part of the narrative, as he grapples with his unusual abilities and their implications.
As the story progresses, Lobsang’s true identity and its connection to Jeremy Clockson become a pivotal element of the plot. His character serves as a exploration of nature versus nurture, destiny, and the power of choice in shaping one’s identity.
Myria LeJean
Myria LeJean is an Auditor who takes on human form to interact with Jeremy Clockson and oversee the creation of the perfect clock. As she experiences life as a human, Myria begins to develop emotions and individual thoughts, a concept entirely foreign and forbidden to Auditors.
Myria’s character arc is one of the most compelling in the book, as she grapples with the sensations, desires, and complexities of human existence. Her growing appreciation for chocolate becomes both a running joke and a poignant symbol of her developing humanity.
As she becomes more human-like, Myria finds herself at odds with her fellow Auditors and their plan to end human unpredictability. Her internal conflict and eventual choices add depth to the story’s exploration of what it means to be human.
Reader Fit
“Thief of Time” would appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Clever, witty fantasy with a philosophical bent
- Stories that blend humour with deeper reflections on existence and humanity
- Complex, interweaving plotlines with a diverse cast of characters
- Explorations of time, chaos theory, and Eastern philosophy
- Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series and his unique brand of satirical fantasy
This book is particularly suited for those who appreciate narratives that challenge conventional thinking about time and reality, while still providing an entertaining and often humorous reading experience.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 2001
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
- Notable Awards: Shortlisted for the 2002 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel
Related Books
- “Hogfather” by Terry Pratchett – Another Discworld novel featuring Death and Susan
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – A collaborative work with similar themes of apocalypse and human nature
- “The Long Earth” by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter – For readers interested in Pratchett’s take on time and parallel universes
Buy the Book
Dive into the mind-bending, hilarious world of “Thief of Time” and discover why Terry Pratchett is considered one of the greatest fantasy authors of all time. Whether you’re a long-time Discworld fan or new to Pratchett’s work, this novel offers a perfect blend of humour, philosophy, and adventure that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Don’t miss out on this timeless classic – get your copy today and join the millions of readers who have fallen in love with Pratchett’s unique vision of the Discworld!
