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  • Terry Pratchett: A Life with Footnotes

  • The Official Biography
  • By: Rob Wilkins
  • Narrated by: Rob Wilkins
  • Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (383 ratings)

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Terry Pratchett: A Life with Footnotes

By: Rob Wilkins
Narrated by: Rob Wilkins
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

WINNER OF THE BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR BEST NON-FICTION

'PEOPLE THINK THAT STORIES ARE SHAPED BY PEOPLE. IN FACT, IT'S THE OTHER WAY AROUND.'

At the time of his death in 2015, award-winning and bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett was working on his finest story yet - his own.

At six years old, Terry was told by his headteacher that he would never amount to anything. He spent the rest of his life proving that teacher wrong. At sixty-six, Terry had lived a life full of achievements: becoming one of the UK's bestselling writers, winning the Carnegie Medal and being awarded a knighthood for services to literature.

Following his untimely death from Alzheimer's disease, the mantle of completing Terry's memoir was passed to Rob Wilkins, his former assistant, friend and now head of the author's literary estate.

Drawing on his own extensive memories, along with those of Terry's family, friends, fans and colleagues, Rob recounts Terry's extraordinary story - from his early childhood to the literary phenomenon that his Discworld series became; and how he met and coped with the challenges that 'The Embuggerance' of Alzheimer's brought with it.

©2022 Rob Wilkins (P)2022 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"Of all the dead authors in the world, Terry Pratchett is the most alive." (John Lloyd)

"Always readable, illuminating and honest. It made me miss the real Terry." (Neil Gaiman)

What listeners say about Terry Pratchett: A Life with Footnotes

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Sad, dignified, and humorous

I revisit the books of Sir Terry Pratchett (STP) often. I feel it appropriate my first meeting with him was when my children (5, 6, and 7) watched Truckers on TV after school, then I found his books at the library. I gradually bought all the published Discworld books (mostly paperbacks) for the home shelf. Soon I was waiting impatiently for the new books. Now I’m sharing the books with my grandson (due to becoming blind I gave my physical books away and started buying my collection again on Audible so my grandson first listened to Truckers, Diggers, and Wings as he played while I looked after him).
Enough background now to this book. Rob has done a remarkable job of pulling the threads together and narrating this story of a life. Knowing STP from his books it surprised me to learn he didn’t start as an enthusiastic reader as his interests seemed to mirror mine (almost anything and everything).
Learning about his life was a revelation.
Learning of how his dignity was supported towards the end of his life was a blessing.
This book was written with love and respect by someone who started as a fan of the author, who became a personal assistant, and friend.
If I could give more stars I would.
Thank you Rob for this book.
Thank you Sir Terry for the fun, laughs, diving off to read other books (history, folklore) to understand where round world touched the Discworld. You’ve given me hours of reading pleasure.
GNU Sir Terry.
Mind how you go.

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tears laughter and inspiration

oh gods my heart might never recover! Terry Pratchett is the only famous person whose death brought me to tears and this book has brought them again.
beautifully written and so personal. brave, honest, funny and sad; and inspiring. Terry Pratchett lived his life with passion and verve and courage. and as long as his books are read he will never die.

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Everything I wanted

This nearly had me tears. Getting to know the man who is responsible for my passion for Fantasy and Sci-fi. Did not know we had so much in common. Miss him. Thanks Rob

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Thank you

Sentimentally bob on….Terry would have lived this read! Thank you to all who helped make it happen, including Terry obvs!!

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suitable respect in narrative

An enjoyable listen through thick n thin.
Well researched with close life s friendship.
saddest of near endings
continues shared.

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Reader, I cried

Rob reads Pterry's story with love and warmth as you'd expect from a long time collaborator and friend. Funny, moving and interesting.

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Perfect.

A perfect, moving, and very personal tribute to the great man. It had me in floods of tears at the end.

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A wonderful tribute

Funny, and wonderfully moving. I laughed out loud and I shed a tear. which is what Terry would have wanted ;)

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I’m going to have to read all his books again now.

Funny , engaging and well read, with an ending that broke my heart even though I knew it was coming.

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The best audiobook ever!

Rob Wilkins really brought Terry Pratchett to life for the listener with his incredible narration and writing. I felt that I was in the Chapel with them at times. As he said, Terry is not dead, but alive in his books.

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