Pratchett, Terry - Wyrd Sisters

[oyceter]

Something not about racism so my brain doesn't explode (even more, that is)!

I think I've actually read this one before, since I own it and vaguely remember reading it (by itself, the owning doesn't say much, given how many unread books I have....).

Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat, three witches in a coven (they're just testing it out), somehow managed to get tangled up in the murder of the king of Lancre and the eventual attempts to restore the kingdom to its rightful heir. I had a lot of fun with all the Shakespeare references, even though I'm sure I missed a ton.

And I think I'm getting more used to Pratchett's voice -- I can tell more easily when I'm supposed to take something seriously as opposed to just mocking it, or, more often, when he's making a serious point disguised in his insane metaphors. I feel a bit like a dunce in humor, because usually it takes me a couple reads or watches to actually grok how something is supposed to be funny (or not).

So yes, I enjoyed the crazy language, Granny Weatherwax's peculiar brand of witchcraft, and the general capers that went on, even as I felt sorry for the Fool and both rolled my eyes at and symapthized with Magrat. I'm particularly impressed with the character of Magrat, who could so easily have been a one-note joke, but is instead a real person under all the funny prose.

Comments

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

I love the Pratchett witches books. I first read Witches Abroad years ago and it sold me on Pratchett. Things I adore about him include the fact that he keeps improving (with a few rare exceptions), which certainly isn't true of all writers, and his humor is rarely mean (except toward people who deserve it). When he introduced Agnes as a character, I was really worried -- so many humorists who are otherwise perfectly lovely cannot restrain themselves from being mean about fat people, and fat women in particular. But Pratchett has done some really wondrous things with Agnes, while pointing out fatphobia as he goes.

The Witches books are full of win. It took me a while longer to be sold on the Guards books. I've never managed to feel sold on the Rincewind books.

[oyceter]

Oh, that is good to hear about Agnes!