How Did Terry Pratchett's Alzheimer's Impact His Life and Work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the impact of Terry Pratchett's Alzheimer's diagnosis on his life and work, exploring themes of creativity, mortality, and the author's ongoing literary contributions. Participants reflect on his literary genius and the emotional responses elicited by his condition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express sadness over Pratchett's diagnosis, highlighting his literary genius and the emotional weight of potentially losing a beloved author.
  • Others note Pratchett's continued work on upcoming books, suggesting a sense of optimism despite his condition.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about missing a book signing, reflecting on the fleeting nature of time and opportunities to engage with the author.
  • Some contributions mention Pratchett's humorous take on his diagnosis, with quotes illustrating his perspective on bravery and the absurdity of life with Alzheimer's.
  • There are references to other authors facing similar health challenges, indicating a broader concern within the literary community.
  • Participants discuss the significance of Pratchett's ongoing literary output, with some expressing hope for more works to come.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the sadness surrounding Pratchett's diagnosis and the value of his work, but there are varying degrees of optimism regarding his future contributions and the implications of his condition.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal feelings and subjective interpretations of Pratchett's situation, which may not encompass the full complexity of his experiences with Alzheimer's.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in literary discussions, the impact of health on creativity, and the experiences of authors facing serious health challenges may find this thread relevant.

siddharth
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Author Terry Pratchett is suffering from a rare form of early Alzheimer's disease, it has been revealed.

In a letter published on the website of artist Paul Kidby, the writer said the condition was behind a "phantom stroke" he had earlier this year.

...

"I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think.

"I know it's a very human thing to say 'Is there anything I can do?' but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7141458.stm

That's sad news. True literary genius.
 
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His statement:
folks,

I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news. I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's, which lay behind this year's phantom "stroke".

We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism. For now work is continuing on the completion of Nation and the basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals. All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers. Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet :o)

PS I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should
be interpreted as 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as
will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think - it's too soon to tell.
I know it's a very human thing to say "Is there anything I can do", but in this case I
would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.
 
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This is unfortunate. I've always loved Terry Pratchett's books, especially his Mort and Death characters. There was a book signing at a book store close to me a few months ago. I meant to go but I fell asleep after work and overslept. Now I feel like I did when I heard that Pink Floyd wasn't touring any more.

Hopefully I will get another chance to have a book signed by Terry. It's a mere bauble, but would remind me of a master writer. Ugh, that sounds awful. I should clarify that the reminder is just as valid whether he is live or dead, but you know, time running out and all that.
 
I hope he has time for many more books, he is a great author.
 
First, there was Robert Jordan, now this.
 
siddharth said:
That's sad news. True literary genius.
Yes, sad indeed. I've only read a few of his novels (mostly from the Discworld series), but found them thoroughly entertaining.
 
Pratchett is still around and still writing. Pratchett on Alzheimer's:
http://www.thebookseller.com/in-depth/trade-profiles/56984-on-embuggerance-and-humour.html
. . .
"The strange thing was, everyone was saying I was so brave. I thought no, if I’d admitted to wearing a French maid’s outfit and dancing around churchyards, that would be brave, and admitting to liking Harry Potter would be suicidal, but saying I’ve got Alzheimer’s—it’s not like you do anything bad to get it, so I can’t quite put my finger on it."

Despite the disease, the subsequent media blizzard, and his appearance at an Alzheimer’s conference (“Personally I’d eat the arse out of a dead mole if it offered a fighting chance,” he memorably said), Pratchett has already started on the next Discworld novel, Unseen Academicals. It satirises the world of football—“Jesus, though, how could you satirise modern football? Talk about a target-rich environment”—in the same manner as Making Money (16th June, p/b, £7.99) took on banking, and The Truth took on journalism.

. . .
Marvelous sense of humor.

Unseen Academicals is out.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unseen_Academicals
 
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Moridin said:
First, there was Robert Jordan, now this.
And George R. R. Martin is still stuck in his Meerenese knot.
 
A great writer. It is fortunate that he is giving us a window into his mind, especially, when that mind is threatened with bad news like this.
 

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