I’ve never really been enamored with overtly humorous speculative fiction. Entertaining ridiculousness is one thing (a la Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), but the pun-filled prose of Piers Anthony has never caught my attention (though I loved his Incarnations of Immortality series…when he stuck to his original intent to keep it at 5 books). One doesn’t really read the Hitchhiker trilogy (of 5 books; or is it 6?) for humor to begin with.
This of course does not mean that I am adverse to comedy. A competent writer will strive to incorporate all of the senses within his writing – and laughter is such an integral part of the human psyche and life itself that to write without it would be almost sacrilegious. Just as romance and mystery are present in most every tale, so too should it be true of laughter. After all, it is the same world that Horace Walpole speaks of when he says that “Life is a tragedy to those who feel, a comedy to those that think.” The Greeks deemed it important enough to include elements of both in every play.
Taking all the above into consideration and understanding that my lack of interest in reading (personally or in slush) humorously slanted material has troubled some in the past, I thought I would salute my definition of quality humorous speculative fiction with this perfect example recently read.
I am currently reading the 1983 anthology The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories: 10 edited by Arthur W. Saha. A complete review will follow at some point, but I wished to acknowledge the short story “Green Roses” by Larry Tritten as what I appreciate most about a tale obviously considered humorous.
This is an entirely humorous tale without a shred of slapstick, stupidity, unwarranted sarcasm, or superiority. Nothing is overdone and, quite frankly, there exist no singular moments of humor. This is neither the humor of Laurel and Hardy or The Three Stooges; nor even that of the Smothers Brothers or Abbot and Costello (my preferences in old-time comedic routines). Not pun or prattle or practical joke; not sass or silly or sophomoric.
From first word to last, beginning with the wonderful quietly, excitingly, suggestive lead, and consorting with fancifully self-named demons, a string of most unfortunate events, an inglorious bastard of a demon, and a clever drunk, this story is the prime example of quality humorous speculative fiction. My first contact of recollection with Larry Tritten has convinced me to find more of his material. There are no guarantees that even he will ever reproduce this ideal of mine again, but he has successfully convinced me to give him the chance. Which is all the result that any author can hope to achieve.
Ironically enough, within this very same anthology follows another tale of humor that I would label slapstick and silly…yet oddly delightful. Perhaps without the stage set by Mr. Tritten’s tale nor its editor’s prelude I would not have found it so, but in this instance it did not displease me. For now, however, I shall remain silent on further tales, as this post is in recognition of “Green Roses” and what it means to me. I recommend you read it.
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I’ll have to keep an eye out and find that collection. I’m normally bothered by attempts at humor in fantasy-they just seem forced and fall flat.
And though I have heard good things, I have not yet read any Pratchett, because I am so suspicious of humor in spec-fiction at least when that’s the motive. I do love funny bits of true to life humor thrown into a tale-which is what I think the Greeks were trying to do.
A recent example I like of this being done are Joe Abercrombie’s books.
It was my privilege to attend a Terry Pratchett reading-and-speak here in Milwaukee a few years back. The man was delightful. As you said, I’ve always heard good things of him, though the blurbs and jackets of his books have never really enticed me to read them. Hearing him, though, did a better job of that.
As for Abercrombie, I just picked up my first book of his at a local Waldenbooks’ closing. I actually really want to read Best Served Cold, but I’m not sure if I should read the trilogy before it or if I can just jump right into this title. Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Of course, I won’t be reading anything until after Steven Erikson’s Dust of Dreams has been consumed
You have to read the trilogy first-you will not be disappointed, the last of three Last Argument of Kings is absolutely one of the all time greats-ask Durham.