Blog

Title: 'Witches Abroad'

Author: Terry Pratchett

Score (1 to 6): 6

The process that connects reader and author is as mysterious as the spark that brings two people together - and the passions are that strong. That's how I can describe my relationship to books by some of my favorite authors. I can reread them constantly and never tire of them, always finding something new and exciting that I missed in my previous reading. Well, such is the case for me with Terry Pratchett. I can't even name one book of his that is my favorite. For me, the Discworld is a whole universe that not everyone would understand. It's far removed from real life and full of mngo magic that people would have a hard time activating if they weren't really captivated by the way Pratchett writes. I remember the first book I read was Witches Abroad. I got it for Christmas from my brother and was really "possessed". I read it in one breath and to this day I still reread it and it's not just out of sentimentality. I have found a note in Terry Pratchett's work that sings in a magical melody every time I read it. And before you think I'm crazy, I'm speaking metaphorically, I just feel in my own waters, I like his expression, I like the stories and the world he creates, each with ease. I can definitely define myself as a fan, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't believe what I'm telling you, rather just read some of his books if you don't like them well, people like different things, but if you like them you'll understand every freaking line of this article.

As I mentioned the first book I read was Witches Abroad, so I plan to tell you more about that. The book is the 12th novel in Terry Pratchett's comic fantasy The Discworld and the third in a row to feature witches. The fairy godmother Desiderata Hollow has died, leaving an unfinished task to her successor Magrath Chesnova: go to the city of Genoa and prevent a girl from marrying a prince. Oh, and she also leaves strict instructions that Nanny Og and Granny Wedderwax are not to be companions on the journey, nor ever touch the fairy godmother's magic wand. In a flurry of skirts and waistcoats, boots and brooms, the three - Magrath, Nanny and Granny - set off on their journey. Beyond the humor, Pratchett is determined to explore the relationship of fairy tales (and other such myths and legends) to human existence. Cinderella, the Frog Prince, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel-style, even The Hobbit are all included in the story in some way. Ultimately, Witches Abroad is a blend of fairy tales, a wonderful adventure with the personalities of the three witches, Granny Weathervox, Nanny Og, and Magrat Chesnova. Pratchett, exploring the relationship between creating stories and living them, seems to clearly side with the idea that humanity writes stories. This novel is also surprisingly hilarious and had me laughing out loud long enough at one point that I had to put it down for a minute. Along with that, it has great drama and humanity, showing that these books are almost always about more than just making us laugh. And most of his books are like that, weird but in a better way. There are two kinds of readers, those who like Terry Pratchett and those who don't, and there's nothing wrong with either kind of person. If you haven't read Witches Abroad I encourage you to do so, I hope I've only shared small touches of what's in this book and not spoiled the magic. Personally, I really loved it when I read it at 7-8 years old and when I read it now at 28. I still find it interesting, entertaining and for a moment I join the trio of the witches and go on adventures with them. The characters in the book are so human, completely believable and makes them some of my favourites on the planet. Sorry, round world.