Synopsis
IT’S THE NIGHT BEFORE HOGSWATCH AND IT’S TOO QUIET.
Where is the big jolly fat man? Why is Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say Ho Ho Ho? The darkest night of the year is getting a lot darker…
Susan the gothic governess has got to sort it out by morning, otherwise there won’t be a morning. Ever again…
The 20th Discworld novel is a festive feast of darkness and Death (but with jolly robins and tinsel too).
As they say: You’d better watch out…
Review
Like the previous 2 (and a half) of Terry Pratchett books I’ve read, this was a fabulously unique story drenched in satire, with some emotionally devastating lines here and there to ensure you’re paying attention, and peppered with copious amounts of absurdity.
I’m find with absurdity in small doses. This was a little too much for me (especially the parts with the Wizards at the University), which soured my enjoyment slightly.
Here is one of my favourite lines from the book:
“It’s amazing how people define roles or themselves and put handcuffs on their experience and are constantly surprised by the things a roulette universe spins at them.”
Belief, or the lack of it, has thrown a lot of the world out of balance. Gods are appearing and disappearing, and people (and Death) are trying to sort it out.
There is parody and heart, joy and fear, dreams and nightmares. Mr Teatime is utterly terrifying and offered a sinister core to one of the subplots of the book. I won’t soon forget him.
The ending ramps everything up by bringing everything together with an oh so human look at the lies we tell ourselves – justice and mercy, right and wrong – and how it all starts in the dreams of children.
This is of course a Christmas-esque story told in the way only Sir Pratchett knows how. For many, it’s a comfort book that’s re-read in the December days, and I can understand why.
So far, none of the Discworld books have quite held up to my first encounter with them (Mort) but I’m glad I read it. Only one more Death book to go!
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