The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents - Discworld Book 28

Synopsis

Maurice, a talking cat, teams up with intelligent rats and a human boy to scam towns with fake plague outbreaks. But when they reach Bad Blintz, they encounter real darkness.

Book Overview

In The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, Pratchett delivers an inventive and thought-provoking twist on the traditional fairy tale, following Maurice—a clever, cynical talking cat—and a group of highly intelligent rats, who gain sentience after accidentally consuming magical waste. Teaming up with a naive human boy named Keith, Maurice and the rats run scams on towns by pretending to be the typical fairy-tale plague of rats, then conveniently "cleared" by Keith’s musical pipe playing. However, their scheme takes a dangerous turn upon arrival in the strange, secretive town of Bad Blintz.

The novel skillfully balances humor, suspense, and philosophical depth, exploring themes of consciousness, morality, ethics, and the thin line between humanity and animal nature. Maurice, initially selfish and pragmatic, gradually confronts ethical dilemmas and personal responsibility, reflecting a profound transformation in his understanding of morality. The rats, grappling with their newfound self-awareness, must define their own identity and moral codes, raising powerful questions about personhood and society.

Pratchett uses the narrative to critique blind obedience to tradition and prejudice, emphasizing empathy, reason, and personal responsibility. The novel’s exploration of intelligence and morality cleverly mirrors broader human society, satirizing cultural prejudice, exploitation, and hypocrisy. Maurice and the rats’ quest for self-understanding and autonomy challenges traditional fairy-tale assumptions, redefining heroism and morality in nuanced, thoughtful ways.

As a standalone story suitable for younger readers yet profound enough for adults, The Amazing Maurice enriches Discworld’s philosophical landscape without directly intersecting major series arcs. It provides an accessible entry point into Pratchett’s work, echoing familiar Discworld themes—morality, self-awareness, and social critique—in fresh, engaging ways.

Principal Characters

Maurice
Maurice is a cunning and street-smart cat who plays the role of a mastermind in "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents." He is a talking cat, a result of the magical influence of Discworld, and uses his intelligence to orchestrate a Pied Piper-style scam with a group of educated rats and a young boy named Keith. Maurice's significance lies in his journey from a self-serving trickster to a character who develops a sense of morality and responsibility, reflecting Pratchett's themes of growth and redemption.
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Keith
Keith is a young, intelligent boy who plays a pivotal role in 'The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents.' As a traveling musician, he partners with Maurice, a talking cat, and a group of sentient rats to orchestrate a series of scams across Discworld. Keith's significance lies in his ability to bridge the gap between humans and the intelligent animals, showcasing his empathy, resourcefulness, and growing sense of morality.
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Malicia Grim
Malicia Grim is a sharp-witted, imaginative young girl with a penchant for storytelling and a keen sense of adventure. As the mayor's daughter in the town of Bad Blintz, she plays a crucial role in unraveling the mystery of the town's rat infestation alongside Maurice and the educated rodents. Her love for fairy tales and her ability to think outside the box make her an invaluable ally in the quest to uncover the truth.
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Dangerous Beans
Dangerous Beans is a visionary and philosophical rat who plays a pivotal role in 'The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents.' As the spiritual leader of the group, he embodies the ideals of intelligence and morality, striving to guide his fellow rodents towards a more enlightened existence. His significance lies in his ability to inspire change and challenge the status quo, making him a symbol of hope and progress in the Discworld universe.
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Peaches
Peaches is a clever and resourceful rat who plays a significant role in "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents." As one of the educated rats, she is part of the group that collaborates with Maurice, the talking cat, to pull off a series of scams across Discworld. Peaches is known for her intelligence and practicality, often serving as a voice of reason among the rodents, and her actions contribute to the group's survival and success.
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Hamnpork
Hamnpork is the grizzled and pragmatic leader of the clan of intelligent rats in "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents." As an elder rat, he embodies the wisdom and experience of a survivor, often skeptical of new ideas but deeply committed to the safety and well-being of his group. His role is pivotal as he navigates the challenges of leadership in a world where rats are not meant to think or speak, making him a symbol of reluctant but necessary change in the Discworld universe.
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Sardines
Sardines is a tap-dancing rat with a flair for the dramatic, often seen as the comic relief among the group of educated rodents in "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents." His role is significant as he embodies the whimsical and unpredictable nature of the Discworld, bringing humor and a touch of absurdity to the story. Sardines' personality is characterized by his enthusiasm, creativity, and a certain nonchalance about the dangers around him, making him a beloved character in the narrative.
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