If anyone were to be curious about the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything, well, they should read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. However, if they don’t have a good sense of humor, the risk of disappointment is very high.

In fact, the novel by Douglas Adams is a comedic science fiction series of books – better, a trilogy in five parts, as Adams and the blurbs declared. The project started as a radio program for BBC Radio 4 in 1978 and became a book a year later. The novel owes much to the imaginary built by writers such as Asimov and Bradbury, but it possesses a unique tone.

Nothing is as it appears

In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, nothing is as it appears, and having the answers is of no use if the questions aren’t the right ones.

The novel ferociously attacks every human attempt at greatness among flower pots that become whales, intergalactic highways, and strange geographers obsessed with fjords. It’s a mix of Star Wars, Neil Gaiman’s novels, and the best of Terry Pratchett, with a surplus of wit. Reading it means discovering unforgettable details and characters that are a tonic for low spirits.

The adaptations are endless, from TV series to movies (the 2005 version with Martin Freeman is the most famous) to stage shows. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has become a true classic. Enjoy it, and remember: don’t forget the towel!