This wasn’t supposed to be the last book in the Thursday Next series, but it works as a good finale anyway. (Someday we might get Dark Reading Matter? Who knows what Fforde will do next.)
I liked this much better than the last one in this series. Actually, I think it’s my favorite in quite some time (not really sure, though, since it’s been so long since I’ve read one through five). I was very relieved at the small presence of the Bookworld. I much prefer Thursday’s adventures in the real world, and getting to see how things work in her wacky alternate universe.
This one features a different type of Thursday than we’ve seen before: she’s finally feeling her age, and worse, she’s recovering from last book’s assassination attempt. She’s in constant pain and has a lot harder time doing the things she’s used to doing. The plot kicks off because of two things: 1) Thursday is offered a job as head librarian in Swindon (she was expecting them to offer her head of the newly reinstated Literary Detectives, but no go) and 2) the Almighty, who has newly revealed himself, has scheduled a smiting for Friday afternoon, and they all have to somehow figure out how to avert it. Goliath is of course involved, as are time shenanigans.
I loved how Thursday’s family was utilized in this. They are my favorite part of these books. And we finally get some resolution on Jenny the mindworm. I teared up a little. We also get hints as to all the characters’ futures, and wrap up a lot of threads that have been dangling for a while. I wouldn’t mind if this series someday saw a book eight, but I think this is a good ending.