Witches Abroad - Book Review

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Terry Pratchett’s Witches Abroad is a novel that transports readers to the Discworld, a flat, circular world that rests on the back of four elephants who stand on the back of a giant turtle that swims around the universe. The book follows the adventures of the three famous witches, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick, as they embark on a journey to the far-off kingdom of Genua.

The novel opens with the death of a witch named Desiderata Hollow, who was Granny Weatherwax's mentor. Upon her death, Desiderata bequeaths her magical wand to Magrat Garlick, the youngest of the three witches, and tells her to go to Genua. Granny Weatherwax, who is fiercely independent, is not pleased with the idea of traveling, but Nanny Ogg, who loves to have fun, is excited about the prospect of going on an adventure.

Genua is a land of fairy tales, a place where stories come to life. The trio discovers that a distant relative of Desiderata's, a young girl named Ella, is being forced into a marriage with a prince who is not what he seems. They also discover that a mysterious fairy godmother, Lilith, is behind the plot. Lilith is a powerful fairy godmother who uses her magic to twist and distort the fairy tales of Genua, making them darker and more dangerous.



As they journey through Genua, the witches encounter a cast of characters straight out of fairy tales. There is a wolf who disguises himself as a grandmother, a pumpkin coach, and seven dwarfs who have lost their way. There is also a cat who can talk and a voodoo queen who practices magic of a different kind.

Throughout the book, Pratchett weaves together the themes of the power of stories, the nature of magic, and the importance of choice. The witches come to realize that the stories they encounter in Genua are not just tales to be enjoyed but have real-life consequences for the people who live them. They also discover that the magic of Genua is different from the magic they know, more powerful and more dangerous.

One of the central themes of Witches Abroad is the idea that stories have power. In Genua, Lilith uses her magic to manipulate and control the fairy tales of the kingdom, twisting them into darker versions of themselves. By doing so, she is able to exert her power over the people of Genua, shaping their lives and destinies. The witches come to understand that stories have the power to shape the world and that it is up to them to use that power for good.

Another theme of the book is the nature of magic. The witches of the Discworld practice a form of magic that is rooted in nature and tradition. In Genua, however, the magic is different, more powerful and more dangerous. Lilith's magic is based on the manipulation of stories and people, and it is not bound by the same rules as the witches' magic. The witches come to understand that magic is not a fixed thing but is shaped by the beliefs and practices of those who use it.

The theme of choice is also important in the book. The witches come to understand that they have the power to shape their own destinies and that the choices they make have consequences. They realize that they can choose to be the heroes of the story or the villains, and that their actions will have a lasting impact on the people they meet.

One of the strengths of Witches Abroad is the way that Pratchett weaves together these themes in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The book is full of his classic humour and wit, and the characters are both lovable and complex. Granny Weatherwax, in particular, is a fascinating character. She is fiercely independent and often abrasive, but she is also deeply compassionate and wise. She is a powerful witch who has a deep understanding of the nature of magic, but she is also flawed and vulnerable. Her journey in the book is one of self-discovery, as she comes to understand that she cannot always control the world around her and that sometimes the best thing she can do is let go.

Nanny Ogg is another standout character in the book. She is the complete opposite of Granny Weatherwax, a lover of life and pleasure who is always looking for a good time. She is also deeply caring and empathetic, and she has a talent for bringing people together. Her journey in the book is one of growth, as she comes to understand that her carefree attitude can sometimes have consequences for others.

Magrat Garlick, the youngest of the three witches, is perhaps the most complex character in the book. She is initially portrayed as a somewhat naïve and uncertain character, but as the story progresses, she comes into her own. She discovers that she has a talent for magic that she never knew she had, and she also learns to stand up for herself and assert her own power. Her journey in the book is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she comes to understand that she is capable of great things.

Another of the strengths of Witches Abroad is its exploration of the darker side of fairy tales. Pratchett takes the familiar stories that we all know and love and twists them into something darker and more disturbing. The wolf in Little Red Riding Hood is no longer just a cunning predator but a twisted and sadistic killer. The pumpkin coach in Cinderella is not just a magical vehicle but a symbol of the tyranny of the fairy godmother. By exploring the darker side of fairy tales, Pratchett is able to delve into deeper themes of power, control, and the human psyche.

The book is also notable for its exploration of the role of women in society. The three witches are all powerful and capable women who are not afraid to stand up for themselves and assert their own power. They are also deeply empathetic and caring, and they use their power to help those in need. The book challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, portraying women as complex and multifaceted individuals who are capable of great things.

In conclusion, Witches Abroad is a delightful and thought-provoking book that explores themes of power, magic, and the nature of stories. Pratchett's world-building is excellent, and his characters are both lovable and complex. The book challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, portraying women as powerful and capable individuals who are not afraid to stand up for themselves. It is a book that will appeal to fans of fantasy, humour, and social commentary, and it is a testament to Pratchett's skill as a writer.

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