Trish's Reviews > The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents

This was one of the first Discworld novels I've ever read, the German translation back then though. I'm very pleased to report that the reading experience was even better this time - partly because the original is always better, partly because I now understood certain side-stabs and references, which was very rewarding.

It's part of The Folklore of Discworld, a version of the Pied Pauper. Maurice, a cat, along with a number of rats has become intelligent to a point where they've learnt human speech. Ever since then, Maurice has done his best to put the rodents (rat is considered a derogative term) to good work so he they can get rich. The trick is fairly simple, playing on human expectations - which is why their last coup doesn't work as they meet a human girl who practically lives fairytales. But that's a good thing, actually, as the town is in trouble and guess who can save everyone.

A very cute and funny look at reputations, stories, courage, having a conscience and the love of fairytales.

One of my favourite moments probably was towards the end when this song was sung (imagine it being sung to one of the usual military cadences):
"We fight dogs amd we chase cats ...
... ain't no trap can stop the rats!
Got no plague and got no fleas ...
... we drink poison, we steal cheese!
Mess with us and you shall see ...
... we'll put poison in your tea!
Here we fight and here we'll stay ...
... WE WILL NEVER GO AWAY!"
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

And always remember: the best end to a conflict is when no side thinks they've lost - indeed!