Flying Dutch by Tom Holt

After reading this book A.D. Warr wrote this on the 18th December 2012 , and gave it a rating * * * * * (4 of 5)

Amidst my varied attempts to broaden what I’ve been reading, I’m always mindful of the need to read something for the sheer pleasure of it. To metaphorically slip on a comfy housecoat and slippers and while away a good chunk of time. Anything by Tom Holt is definitely a suitable pick for this.

I’ve previously skipped over reviewing any of Tom’s comedic works that I’ve read in fear of writing a schmalzty, overly-positive review. But I feel at least one such book should get a review. I’ve chosen Flying Dutch as its my first foray into the proper depths of Tom’s back catalogue — that is the books contained within the republished “omnibus” editions.

This was Tom’s third book to be published, but all the elements I’ve come to know from his later work are obvious here. A fantastical situation interpreted in a mundane way, put-upon characters, and the revelation that the way the world works is actually bizarre (though this makes just as much sense as how it works in reality).

Comparisons to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett are common when it comes to Tom’s work. All three trade in the clash between mundane and fantastical elements. While Adams takes on science fiction, and Pratchett takes on traditional fantasy literature (and later whatever kind of literature he wants to mix in), Tom works with myths and legends. Those things that everyone knows something about but likely couldn’t go into detail if pressed. Everyone knows the name “Flying Dutchman”, but it’s mixed up with every other nautical tale they’ve heard (thanks, Disney).

Where Tom comes closest to Douglas Adams’ work, I feel, is not the sense of humour or the writing style but the reactions of his characters. The way that they always seem so desperate to push aside the fantastical events they become part of in order to get on with their lives. Only to discover that their lives are unbearably mundane and depressing, and maybe the fantasy crap isn’t so bad as all that.

I’ve seen complaints from some that many of the references now come across as dated or make little sense, as what they’re referencing has faded into obscurity. But this didn’t mar the enjoyment for me. I found these eclipsed by the references that, 20 years on, were still achingly relevant (saying that the Rolling Stones will always exist, to name one).

I wouldn’t recommend this as the first port of call for anyone new to Tom’s work, but it’s certainly worth a read for anyone looking for another fix. And I definitely won’t be stopping here.