dzumara's review
adventurous
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
carriepond's review
4.0
I love the witches. And Death. He only has a little part in this, but it made me want to read more from the Death series.
quitegood's review against another edition
4.0
This is perhaps the best book to start your adventures on the Diskworld. Odd that I recommend the 6th in the series, but this book captures in a distilled form what makes this series so captivating to so many; its not the fantasy, its not the fact that the whole world is on the back of four elephants on the back of a turtle flying through space, its the characters and the sheer wit of the writing.
Granny Weatherwax is perhaps one of Sir Terry's most charming creations and will get you to fall in love with this series. But Sir Terry is able to inject all characters with boatloads of distinct personality, and his incredibly subtle world building really allows you to lose yourelf in this book.
Ignore those who say Diskworld is lowbrow, or too pulpy. Because one, they're wrong. Amoung the silly gags and half the cast speaking with a pronounced northern accent, Diskworld can find itself discussing big philosophical topics like the nature of political power, the absurdity of death, and racial tension. And two, there is nothing wrong with being pulpy. God forbid writing be accessable, god forbid people have fun while they read. I find it rather unfortunate when people get sniffy at people who read pulpy books, because accoridng to them, you should challenge yourself. No! Read what you want to, and what makes you happy! I read Dune, I did enjoy it, but it took me two and half months! I can't recommend that to anyone! Most will find it a boring, boring slog. But Diskworld is light and breezy in comparison, and arguably, discusses as weighty topics as Dune but in a far more digestable package.
So to recap, if you're wording about Diskworld, start here! If it doesn't grab you, then fine, not everything is for everyone. But... I do feel you have a good chance of falling in love.
Granny Weatherwax is perhaps one of Sir Terry's most charming creations and will get you to fall in love with this series. But Sir Terry is able to inject all characters with boatloads of distinct personality, and his incredibly subtle world building really allows you to lose yourelf in this book.
Ignore those who say Diskworld is lowbrow, or too pulpy. Because one, they're wrong. Amoung the silly gags and half the cast speaking with a pronounced northern accent, Diskworld can find itself discussing big philosophical topics like the nature of political power, the absurdity of death, and racial tension. And two, there is nothing wrong with being pulpy. God forbid writing be accessable, god forbid people have fun while they read. I find it rather unfortunate when people get sniffy at people who read pulpy books, because accoridng to them, you should challenge yourself. No! Read what you want to, and what makes you happy! I read Dune, I did enjoy it, but it took me two and half months! I can't recommend that to anyone! Most will find it a boring, boring slog. But Diskworld is light and breezy in comparison, and arguably, discusses as weighty topics as Dune but in a far more digestable package.
So to recap, if you're wording about Diskworld, start here! If it doesn't grab you, then fine, not everything is for everyone. But... I do feel you have a good chance of falling in love.
ninas's review against another edition
5.0
“She walked quickly through the darkness with the frank stride of someone who was at least certain that the forest, on this damp and windy night, contained strange and terrible things and she was it.”
“Granny’s implicit belief that everything should get out of her way extended to other witches, very tall trees and, on occasion, mountains.”
Probably my favorite so far, I was in stitches from the very first paragraph to the last, can't even remember the last time I laughed at a book like that. Granny Weatherwax remains an icon, Nanny and Magrat are also incredible and possibly even more unhinged (which I didn't think could happen but then there we were, summoning a demon from a washing basin and giving him a stern talking-to).
“Granny’s implicit belief that everything should get out of her way extended to other witches, very tall trees and, on occasion, mountains.”
Probably my favorite so far, I was in stitches from the very first paragraph to the last, can't even remember the last time I laughed at a book like that. Granny Weatherwax remains an icon, Nanny and Magrat are also incredible and possibly even more unhinged (which I didn't think could happen but then there we were, summoning a demon from a washing basin and giving him a stern talking-to).
bluenicorn's review
4.0
I haven't read a book this good in a long time. The characters are great- I can't even explain it. Just read it, really.
thegablesrat's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
timdams's review against another edition
4.0
Die 3 heksen zijn schitterende personages! Benieuwd of we ze nog gaan tegenkomen.