[LM_NET] Review: And Another Thing (long)

[Harry Coffill <HCoffill@EGRPS.ORG>]

“And Another Thing”
Eoin Colfer
 
Colfer has the task of following Douglas Adams’ footsteps in the
“official” sequel to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (helpfully
numbered book six of three.) Here is my (hopefully) spoiler-free review.

 
First—can we all agree that Adams’ last foray was a pretty dismal
affair? His loathing at writing another sequel was apparent in each
word. Arthur was marginalized, and the book ended by the destruction of
the Earth, and all of our main characters, by the Vogons. Again.
 
So, Colfer has an interesting starting point. HHG was a one-radio-show
idea that Adams stretched over three radio series, one BBC-TV series,
five novels and one
“took-forever-to-get-to-the-screen-and-probably-wasn’t-worth-the-wait”
movie. It was as relevant to 2010 as the scrapey kind of chewing gum
that one might find on the sidewalk outside of Brother Bruno’s pizza in
downtown Port Jervis, NY. You remembered that it once tasted good, but
you might not really want to see it again.
 
“The storm had now definitely abated, and what thunder there was now
grumbled over a more distant hills, like a man saying “And Another Thing”
twenty minutes after admitting he’s lost the argument.” (Douglas Adams)
 
So, that’s where Colfer begins; a worn-out franchise, too-familiar
characters, an audience who can quote the source material. This is what
the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy calls “an unenviable task.” Rather
like following Belushi on Saturday Night Live. Or creating three sequels
to “Star Wars” (Speaking of ridiculous numbering schemes! “Star Wars” is
part IV?)  And how does one compete with Adams wooshing use of words and
ability to dance not on, but completely around, the head of a pin while
still retaining wonderful sarcastic poignancy?
 
He says “And Now for Something Completely Different.” (Hey, can we
check the sub-etha and see if that’s been used? It has? Damn.)
 
The first thing he does—and this is remarkable for HHG—is have
something called a “plot.” Remarkable! A HHG story with a beginning,
middle and end! Where details from the beginning of the story (and,
indeed, the series) have impact on the events at the end! While there
are still a few “Deus Ex Machina” moments necessary for HHG, they don’t
really affect the ultimate threads. I found myself turning pages not for
the next joke, but out of actual interest in how the story was going to
develop.
 
So I pretty much enjoyed this installment. My critical review would be
that Colfer suffers from the misfortune of (other than being British,
and witty, and a good and capable writer) being guilty of NOT entirely
being Douglas Adams. I believe that Colfer would agree with this. There
were several “fan-boy” moments when I reacted to characters behaving
differently then I thought they should. This should be quickly excused
as Adams was never very much about the continuity anyway. (I’m not even
sure he had read his previous books.) And my favorite character
(Spoiler! Marvin!) was missing. (For this,  Colfer should be subjected
to a long bout of Vogon Poetry…or Marvin’s life philosophy. But he did a
good job, so he can have tea while he’s doing it.) Perhaps his next book
could be entirely about Marvin. It could be printed in black on black
paper and include prescription anti-depressants and a noose.
 
I’d recommend this one as a pick-up for the casual or sincere fan. A
very solid and funny read.
 
Harry F. Coffill
hcoffill@egrps.org 
Media Center Specialist
East Grand Rapids Middle School
Drama Department
East Grand Rapids High School 

There's no use going to school unless your final destination is the
library. 
-Ray Bradbury

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