By Siobhan Clarke
The End Times is a concept that is old as time, whether it is ecological disaster, nuclear war, or a demon and an angel accidently misplacing the antichrist on planet Earth. Although not likely, this book follows the latter.
I had read Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens (The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch) a few times in the past, but with this read I found myself discovering new details on every page.
It follows Aziraphale and Crowley, an angel and a demon, who have been positioned on Earth by their respective sides since The Beginning, and the final week of life as we know it.
Don’t think of it as dying. Just think of it as leaving early to avoid the rush – Death
The novel is hilariously intricate, and often times absurdist, squeezing in nearly every pop culture reference known to mankind. Fom Doctor Who to Queen, to even the Elvis Lives conspiracy theory, this book truly has everything.
The written style is also quickly identifiable with prophecies (with annotations), character voices, and ludicrous footnotes.
In 2019, the book was turned into a TV series starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant. A second season was released succeeding the events of the novel, and a final Season Three 90-minute episode will be released this month.
What I think that keeps drawing me back to this story is the chaotic narrative. Although it appears to jump all over the place, with numerous characters, each with individual plotlines, about halfway through everything seems to fit into place.
Over 30 years since its release, Good Omens continues to bring lighthearted joy to audiences, presenting a philosophical conversation through the guise of satire.
I would describe it simply as “ineffable”.
Featured image: Omens and references in Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s novel. Artwork: Siobhan Clarke
