On the HahaFiction shelf
Sir Apropos of Nothing
by Peter David
Sir Apropos of Nothing · Book 1 · 2015
Apropos has survived a violent childhood by looking after himself. A thief with little use for heroic ideals, he nevertheless finds himself caught up in a mission to rescue Princess Entipy, with a phoenix and the alarmingly brave Tacit among his complications.
From the publisher’s blurb
“At times a loyal friend, at others a ruthless betrayer”Read the full description at Crazy 8 Press
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What makes it funny?
Even his name punctures knightly grandeur: David imagined a succession of impressive court introductions interrupted by a young man announcing himself as Apropos of Nothing. Tacit, meanwhile, claims unicorns raised him, an awkward companion for an angry, reluctant hero.
The comedy at work
David gives a fantasy hero the motives usually reserved for someone less noble. Apropos wants to get ahead and stay alive; the author uses that self-interest to unsettle the familiar jobs assigned to heroes, villains and their disposable companions.
Try this if…
Cynical antiheroes are the attraction here. David identifies Flashman and Blackadder as forebears, which gives a useful sense of the company Apropos keeps: men whose concern for themselves complicates any claim to heroism.
Good to know
Sexual violence lies behind Apropos's birth, and his childhood is abusive. David has said he deliberately joined comedy to tragedy, so the fantasy satire includes painful material alongside its jokes.
More funny adventure
Sources & further reading
- Publishers Weekly review
Review
- Author interview
Author commentary
- Author publication announcement
Author commentary
- Publisher
Publisher
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