The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous, intoxicating journey through the universe, which, will enthral and enthuse even the most die-hard avoiders of science fiction. Following the adventures of average British man Arthur Dent, the
novel progresses from incidents such as the destruction of Earth, through to amusing encounters with egotistical, quirky aliens and manically depressive robots, whilst, simultaneously managing to include minor quests such as the mere search for the meaning of
life itself. All of these
events are fully accompanied by a satirical humour which
successfully turns the everyday upside down and distorts the normal view of life into something new and hilarious. As events unravel the stereotypical Arthur is left in the middle of an explosion of weird and wacky proceedings, which are inextricably entwined with the mundane routines of human life, for example, Arthur's struggle to make a cup of a tea.
This novel being the first of a so-called trilogy of four (now five), gives a detailed and vivid introduction into the world of the protagonist, Arthur
Dent and the
universe through which he traverses. The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, itself, is a book which narrates the story, giving helpful comments such as ‘Do not panic!’ and casting witty comment upon the nature and status of the life forms and environments, which Arthur Dent finds himself in increasing contact with. Although a science fiction novel in appearance, this work does an extremely good job of
making social observations and comical allusions to the processes that make up the seeming normality of every day life. By making the reader think of the universe in a completely different way Adams’ successfully creates a world where nothing can be taken for granted, nothing is exactly what it seems and where ultimately the mice are kings.
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