Small Gods

''Deftly weaves themes of forgiveness, belief and spiritual regeneration'' The Times

The Discworld is very much like our own - if our own were to consist of a flat planet balanced on the back of four elephants which stand on the back of a giant turtle, that is . . .

''Just because you can''t explain it, doesn''t mean it''s a miracle.''

In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was: ''Hey, you!'' This is the Discworld, after all, and religion is a controversial business.

Everyone has their own opinion, and indeed their own gods, of every shape and size, and all elbowing for space at the top. In such a competitive environment, shape and size can be pretty crucial to make one''s presence felt.

So it''s certainly not helpful to be reduced to appearing in the form of a tortoise, a manifestation far below god-like status in anyone''s book.

In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast: for the Great God O