Mostly Harmless (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) by Douglas Adams

“Mostly Harmless” is the fifth and final book in the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series by Douglas Adams. The book was published in 1992, six years after the previous book in the series.

The story follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, the last surviving human after the Earth was destroyed by the Vogons in the first book. Arthur is now living a mundane life on the planet of Lamuella, but he becomes restless and decides to embark on a new journey.

Meanwhile, Ford Prefect, Arthur’s alien friend and former hitchhiking companion, is working as a journalist for the Guide and investigating a mysterious planet called Rupert. Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed former President of the Galaxy, is also back and embroiled in a dangerous scheme involving the creation of a new planet.

As the characters’ paths cross and intersect, they find themselves facing new challenges and dangers. The story features many of the trademark elements of the series, including bizarre alien creatures, tongue-in-cheek humor, and absurdist plot twists.

“Mostly Harmless” has been noted for its darker tone compared to earlier books in the series, and for its exploration of themes such as loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning in life. Some fans of the series have criticized the book for its bleak ending, which sees many of the characters meeting tragic fates.

Despite its mixed reception, “Mostly Harmless” remains a beloved and influential work of science fiction and humor, and a fitting end to the iconic “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series.