#discworld re-read

[huwage]

The Great Discworld Re-Read

It’s time for another big re-read, and I have just the series in mind. I love the Discworld. I love everything Terry Pratchett’s written, really, as I’ve mentioned in passing a few times on this blog. The writing advice the man himself gave me, many years ago, is something that I have held close to my heart since the moment I decided to start doing this author thing properly. And I have read…

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[hauntedbynumberlessislands]

50Books 2017 -  No. 1

‘The Truth’ - Terry Pratchett

“ The Truth Shall Make Ye Fret.“

This was a re-read for me, though it’s been a few years since I’ve read it. It’s also the first actual book I’ve finished rather than putting it down half-read in a looooooong time. So that’s 1 New Year’s resolution done with at least :)

It feels a lot like William DeWorde and Sacharissa Cripslock are an early prototype for Moist Von Lipwig and Adora Belle Dearheart a couple of books later, and I have to admit I much prefer the latter couple (Adora Belle Dearheart is my everything....). There are a lot of parallels in the 2 books in terms of the overall plot - bringing something new to the Discworld, dragging AnhkMorpork into the century of the fruitbat, modernisation that’s ripe for satire. I think Pterry’s experience of working in the world of newspapers definitely shines through in some pretty sharp commentary and some world-weary cynicism about the functions of a free press.

‘The Truth’ has got some pretty good villains, a decent mystery at it’s centre, a good turn from Vimes and the watch, and a likeable enough cast of side-characters, though I don’t think any of the characters unique to this book are really hall-of-fame Discworlders.I guess Otto is the standout, and while he’s a good way to send-up a lot of old-timey Vampyre stereotypes, he feels a little too much of a caricature to me.

I enjoyed it well enough, and was happy to kick off my 50Books year revisiting the Disc, I place I never tire of.

“WHO KNOWS WHAT EVIL LURKS IN THE HEART OF MEN? The Death of Rats looked up from the feast of potato. SQUEAK, he said. Death waved a hand dismissively. WELL, YES, OBVIOUSLY ME, he said. I JUST WONDERED IF THERE WAS ANYONE ELSE.”

[ewriter91]

Warning contains spoilers.

[ewriter91]

I love this book, but this is one of the ones I find hard to discuss. It's themes and messages are both obvious and subtle at the same time and it really is something that readers have to experience for themselves.

My review of Moving Pictures as part of my Discworld re-read project, 

Also I have added tags to all my blog posts. Enjoy.

[hauntedbynumberlessislands]

I’m considering doing a Discworld re-read. From the start, in order, and reviewing them here.

I don’t know though, my book reading mojo has deserted me of late.

But ‘The Shepherd’s Crown’ has been sitting on my bookshelf for almost a year now, and I can’t bring myself to read it. I’m not ready for the heartbreak.

Maybe this would be a good way to say goodbye? Things to ponder....

[ewriter91]

Discworld Re-Read: Eric

My review of Eric is now up on my blog. 

http://fantasticbooksandwheret.blogspot.com/2016/03/discworld-re-read-eric.html

[ewriter91]

Discworld Re-Read: Pyramids

This book marks a personal first for my re-reading experience, because I had not previously read Pyramids. I really loved this experience. Much like Wyrd Sisters, this book was a real showcase for Pratchett’s cleverness and knowledge.

The story follows Teppic, the crown prince of Djelineybi (a small desert kingdom that closely resembles ancient Egypt). At the beginning of the novel, Prince Teppic is being trained as an assassin in Ankh-Morpork. However, his father’s untimely death forces him to return home and take up his role as king. Teppic’s time in Ankh-Morpork has given him some progressive ideas that clash with his advisor, High Priest Dios, as well as the very culture of the kingdom itself. 

The main theme here is TRADIIIIIIIITION! Pratchett masterfully layers a complex web of customs that range from silly to down right disturbing, enforced by the often self-destructive devotion of everyone around Teppic. The main example being the elaborate pyramids that each king is obligated to build for his predecessor. Despite the common knowledge that these same pyramids are bankrupting the kingdom. In fine Pratchett form, Pyramids shows the destructive side of tradition. It can force a culture into decline and stagnation, it can produce logically fallacies that normal people will defend to the death, and it can have shady origins that no one questions.

This is not to say that the novel condemns all tradition. The first part showcases how the Assassin’s Guild has prospered because of their traditions. And some of Djelibeybi’s traditions give the kingdom a sense of identity. Pratchett’s point is that tradition needs to be balanced out by self-examination and everyone needs to be allowed to find their own balance within tradition. It’s a thoughtful examination paired with some truly wonderful humor.

Apparently the name Djelibeybi is a Doctor Who reference. Say it out loud. It sounds a lot like jelly baby, the candy that the fourth doctor liked to hand out to people. Since it turns out that the kingdom has some wibbledy wobbly timey wimey problems, the subtle reference fits in quite nicely.

There’s also some nice insight into the Assassin’s Guild. I’ve always loved the gentlemanly killers and their lovely code of ethics. Like most of the guilds in Ankh-Morpork it thrives on defying expectations. These assassins would never dream of being poorly dressed during their work and insist that any unpaid for killing is simply murder. I really enjoyed the insight into their high mortality training methods.

My only major criticism is that Pyramids has some plot similarities to Wyrd Sisters. Both feature a cranky royal ghost and a royal heir abdicating responsibility by unearthing a secret sibling. This wouldn’t be too much of a problem had the books been further apart in publication. But Wyrd Sisters came out in November of 1988 and Pyramids was released in June of 1989. Less than a year is a bit soon to be repeating plot elements like this. But overall this is somewhat forgivable as most Discworld readers don’t follow publication order so might not notice this. It certainly doesn’t make either ghost less enjoyable in my eyes.

Pyramids is a lot of fun. Pratchett showcases a detailed knowledge of Ancient Egypt and the parody is superb. It’s a good starting point for new readers, since it’s pretty much a standalone and it gives a good introduction to Pratchett’s style. If you haven’t checked this one out I highly recommend it. 

[ewriter91]

Discworld Re-Read: Wyrd Sisters

Finally a Discworld novel that I can unabashedly praise. I first read Wyrd Sisters several years ago. I loved it then and revisiting it, I found that this novel is better than I remembered it.

Wyrd Sisters is the first real entry in the witches sub-series. Yes, technically, Equal Rites is listed in most places as the first witches novel because of the introduction of Granny Weatherwax, But I consider it more or less a stand alone. First off it includes none of the other prominent characters of the witches series, it also doesn’t have a literary theme like the other witches books do.

Wyrd Sisters is Pratchett’s take on Macbeth. An ambitious duke murders the king of Lancre, which is all well and good at first. However, as his guilt starts to unhinge him, Lord Felmet starts blaming the witches and fostering persecution. In the face of growing disrespect, the witches are forced to intervene for the sake of the kingdom.

Pratchett’s writing is so sharp and clever in this novel. The more you know about Macbeth and it’s creation the cleverer this book becomes. It does not merely reflect the surface plot of the Scottish Play, but also includes elements from the historical creation. Macbeth was written directly for King James. Many elements of the play were fitted by Shakespeare to suit the King’s taste. For example, King James had an obsession with witches and had even written a pamphlet about witches and identifying witchcraft. Most importantly, James was descended from Banquo (the friend Macbeth murders because the witches predict that his descendants shall become kings), so the story of Macbeth was reworked to portray James’ ancestors in a better light. The sub-plot of Felmet commissioning a play to promote his version of history is a wonderfully clever nod to Macbeth’s more practical origins. The overall themes about the power of words and propaganda, fit the subject matter so perfectly. Pratchett manages a perfect blend of affectionate parody and commentary.

Additionally, Pratchett employs some wonderfully subtle foreshadowing. The phrase, “only a fool would want to be king” comes up several times throughout the novel. It’s a great little nod to anyone re-reading the book, that isn’t explicit enough to catch the attention of first time readers.

Most of all, this book is hilarious. Granny Weatherwax was entertaining on her own, but as part of a trio she truly shines. The dynamic between Granny, Nanny Ogg and Magrat is great. The scenes of the witches interacting with the theater are simply hilarious. And the coven meetings are priceless riffs on the famous witch scenes from Macbeth. Add into that Greebo, the dreary Fool’s Guild, and all attempts to arrest or tax the witches. The high standards of Pratchett humor is on full display and it is wonderful.

Wyrd Sisters is a great intro book for newbies. It’s a good display of his style and humor, as well as kicking off one of the major sub-series. I especially recommend it to literary buffs and Shakespeare fans.