Commentary/review

This review refers to four Discworld books: The Wee Free Men (2003), A Hat Full of Sky (2004), Wintersmith (2006) and I Shall Wear Midnight (2010), written by Terry Pratchett and read by Stephen Briggs.

The first book in this subseries is an absolute gem and masterpiece. I have read it several times and each time it gave me a laugh. I also have a strong suspicion that in the years to come Terry Pratchett will be recognized as a philosopher and some of his books – as life guides. From my point of view, The Wee Free Men was also a tool for measuring my level of understanding English. When I first heard this audiobook back in 2004, I had a hard time understanding the little Feegles. Today, their ramblings are an absolute delight and I would return to the book just for the pleasure of listening to them. The performance by Stephen Briggs immensely adds to the written word.

I enjoy the remaining three books as each of them is a successful Discworld novel. The series appears to be set of useful advice for independent young people, especially girls and women. I found no fault in any of the advice. The story covers major development phases probably every youth goes through. How Terry Pratchett managed to produce such a thing remains a mystery to me, however. The viewpoint taken in the book is not that of a father but of a young female shifting through the quicksands of growth, hesitating between duty and rebellion, necessity and dream, ambition and moderation, potential and choice, each decision grand and important. Yet along with its classic and universal character, the series remains so cozy and sweet that I tend to return to it during wintertime holidays. I will never praise it enough.

Cover Photo by 42 North on Unsplash