Hogfather - Book Review

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Terry Pratchett's Hogfather is a delightfully imaginative and humorous novel that is a perfect representation of his signature style of storytelling. Published in 1996, it is the twentieth book in the Discworld series and is set during the winter holiday season, making it a perfect read for fans of festive stories.

The story begins with the Hogfather, the Discworld's version of Santa Claus, who is missing. Death, one of Pratchett's most popular and beloved characters, decides to take on the role of the Hogfather in order to keep the holiday spirit alive. Along with his granddaughter Susan, Death sets out to deliver presents to all the children of the Discworld.

As Death tries to understand the customs and traditions of the holiday, he is faced with the difficult task of spreading joy and happiness throughout the Discworld, something that is completely alien to his nature. Meanwhile, Susan finds herself being drawn into a sinister plot that involves the Auditors of Reality, who are attempting to erase the Hogfather from existence.

One of the main subplots follows the character of Mr. Teatime, an assassin who is hired to remove the Hogfather from existence. Mr. Teatime is a unique character, with his cold, calculating demeanour and his obsession with the precise details of his job. His storyline is a commentary on the nature of evil and the role that morality plays in our actions.



Another important subplot involves the wizards of Unseen University, who are attempting to unravel the mystery of the Hogfather's disappearance. The wizards' attempts to understand the holiday season and their hilarious attempts to create their own version of it add to the humour of the novel.

One of the strengths of Hogfather is its ability to blend humour and fantasy with deeper philosophical themes. Pratchett's depiction of Death as a sympathetic character who is capable of empathy and compassion is a masterstroke. Death's journey to understand the human experience and the value of the holiday season is both humorous and poignant, and it allows readers to reflect on the true meaning of the winter holidays.

The novel also explores the idea of belief and its role in shaping reality. In the Discworld, belief is a powerful force that can shape the very fabric of the universe. The Auditors seek to remove the Hogfather from existence by erasing the belief in him from the minds of the people, which in turn would cause him to cease to exist. This idea of belief as a shaping force is a fascinating concept that adds depth and richness to the story.

Another strength of Hogfather is the skilful way in which Pratchett weaves multiple storylines together. The novel is populated with a large cast of characters, including wizards, assassins, and gods, each with their own unique perspective on the holiday season. These characters are all connected in some way, and Pratchett masterfully brings their stories together in a satisfying and cohesive way.

The characters themselves are one of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel. Death, in particular, is a standout. Pratchett's depiction of Death as a well-meaning but often clueless character who is learning to navigate the complexities of human emotions is both humorous and endearing. Susan, Death's granddaughter, is also a memorable character, with her no-nonsense attitude and fierce determination to save the Hogfather.

Overall, Hogfather is a wonderful addition to the Discworld series and a perfect read for fans of Terry Pratchett's unique brand of storytelling. It is a witty, insightful, and thoroughly entertaining novel that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.

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