Title: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Genres: Science Fiction, Comedy
Series: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy #1
Pages: 193
ISBN: 978-0345418913
Links: IndieBound, StoryGraph, Amazon, Goodreads
Content Warnings: animal death, depression, suicide, police brutality/gun violence
Other Books by this Author: Goodreads Page
Blurb
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.
Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker’s Guide (“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have”) and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox—the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod’s girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.
Review
⭐⭐⭐
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a surreal story about two men’s journey after the world ends. Going into this book, I didn’t have any expectations. I saw people talking about it on Instagram and found the audiobook in my library app so I figured, why not pick it up?
The writing is riddled with satirical humor that highlights faults in modern society. I often found myself smiling and even laughing while listening to the audiobook, which isn’t something many books can accomplish. Although this book was published over 40 years ago, Douglas Adams’ not-so-subtle jabs still hit right on the mark. I’m not sure if this means society hasn’t changed much or if Douglas Adams was just that brilliant. Probably both.
The Characters in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy were all unique and memorable. I usually have trouble keeping track of characters in audiobooks, but their distinct personalities made it easy for me to know who was speaking, even if I spaced out for a second and missed which character’s name was mentioned.
One thing that bothered me about the story, was the lack of plot. After finishing, I realize the aimless chaos was part of the charm and overall theme; but I’m not sure it was for me. It was hard for me to connect with the story because there wasn’t any goal to root for. It wasn’t until very late in the story that any meaningful conflict was introduced. I was also bothered by the use of depression/suicide as a joke. Later in the story, we’re introduced to a depressed robot, who’s cynical worldview is used for comedic effect. The depression jokes didn’t ruin the book for me, but they weren’t something I enjoyed either.
Despite a couple of reservations, I had a lot of fun reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It reminded me of Austin Powers in all the best ways. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a chaotic and funny sci-fi story.
Peyton
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Peyton