Here Comes the Sun is a humorous novel by Tom Holt

Tom Holt

Tom Holt is a British novelist.He was born in London, the son of novelist Hazel Holt, and was educated at Westminster School, Wadham College, Oxford, and The College of Law, London....

first published in the UK by Orbit books in 1993. Holt normally known for his comedy, branches into the field of comic science fiction.

Plot introduction

Mechanical failures begin to trouble the Sun, making it hard for its driver to complete his rounds. The sun is in need of maintenance, and other things are breaking down all over the universe. Fresh ideas are needed. Jane, a mortal and a management trainee, is brought in the sort it all.

Literary significance and reception

This is from Holt's middle period, concentrating on the idea that physical phenomena and mythology are basically a lot like the real world. He focuses more on character and on situation comedy than on plot at this point in his career, sharply observing the personal & political interactions you get when people are forced to rub along together in a hierarchy for a very, very, very long time.

It fits well into the overall SF/fantasy tradition of personifying & humanizing deities and myth figures.

SF Crowsnest review clearly comes out with praise:

"His sharply observed dialogue and the desire to think round corners and u-bends distinguish Holt's books. He has the ability to make the reader laugh out loud and should be treasured".

Other reviewers make comparisons with Pratchett to Holt's detriment, though acknowledging the humour.

...whereas Pratchett will insert something philosophical, something wise despite the abundance of satire in his stories, Holt is just plain being funny"

Here Comes the Sun is mediocre Holt. Good enough for laughs..."

A notable genre shift for Holt who is highly successful with his normal series of comedy novels.