Small Gods

(Discworld Novel 13)

By: Terry Pratchett

Narrated by: Tony Robinson

'Just because you can't explain it, doesn't mean it's a miracle.'

Religion is a controversial business in the Discworld. Everyone has their own opinion, and indeed their own gods. Who come in all shapes and sizes. In such a competitive environment, there is a pressing need to make one's presence felt. And it's certainly not remotely helpful to be reduced to be appearing in the form of a tortoise, a manifestation far below god-like status in anyone's book. In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast. Preferably one who won't ask too many questions...

Critic reviews

'Deftly weaves themes of forgiveness, belief and spiritual regeneration....While other writers gnaw at violence, sexuality and rootless despair'

'An intriguing satire on institutionalized religion corrupted by power, crackling with one-liners while obliquely suggesting that maybe gods are only as powerful as the beliefs of their followers'

'Spectacular inventiveness make the Discworld series one of the perennial joys of modern fiction'

Tony Robinson star performance

A good book vs a great audio book can be determined by the performer’s star quality- Mr. Robinson is amazing

Prefer Stephen Briggs as the reader

Time team comes to mind when I hear Tony, and Stephen does a much better 'Death'. character.

short cute story

doesn't developed much, but has some of prechette's wit and humer, and not ao delicate social commentery. not one of his best

Volume varies too much for listening without constant adjustment

I’ve tried listening to this recording multiple times in multiple settings. Either the reader believed he needed to (over)act out all the characters OR the book has been so badly abridged that he felt he had no choice other than to whisper sometimes and shout at others, often in very quick succession. (Or post-production was simply incompetent.) My hearing was checked recently and is fine. I’ve never experienced this before in an audiobook.

Was this censored or has the recording been damaged?

I love Terry Pratchett and was looking forward to reading this title for a book club. I quickly discovered a lot of the audio was skipping and it was very difficult to follow the story. I was really looking forward to hearing Tony Robinson read it but the skipping makes it very frustrating. The story is great and his performance is great, it's down to the quality of the audio.