Mars Fargo’s Reviews > The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy > Status Update

Thus far, I find this book a remarkable example of a writer being able to turn something very negative into something positive. Like, Arthur Dent is a very thinly veiled stand-in for Adams during his worst period of economic despair, hence the moments referencing the destruction of _____ are never treated humorously.

Also love the pedestrian way “high concepts” are treated. Can’t wait to where it goes next.

(minor spoilers):
Gotta say… even though this book is a comedy, I really respect that Adams didn’t play the destruction of _____ for laughs.

It also nicely parallels Arthur’s arc, who FEELS like his whole world has ended upon becoming homeless. Given Adams was struggling with poverty when he came up with this book, I can’t help wondering if that’s why he had the compassion not to make this moment a joke.

I don’t think I’ve ever actually read a book and felt myself physically burst out laughing… let alone in the first page. Douglass Adams was a master of voice, and it serves the personality of the book quite well. Oddly enough, I find myself imagining Jon Pertwee’s voice as the Guide narration.