When shall we three meet again...? (Wyrd Sisters - Terry Pratchett)

Member Name: Kukana

Product:	Wyrd Sisters - Terry Pratchett
Date:	13/02/06 (851 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Light humour, good characterisation, cleverly written with amusing classic references

Disadvantages: Too light for some

For those unfamiliar with the Discworld series, it takes place on a disc-shaped imaginary world with a culture that's roughly mediaeval in technology, but ultra-modern in outlook. Humans mix reasonably comfortably with dwarfs, trolls, vampires, witches, werewolves... and yet it's not really science fiction, or even fantasy, in the general sense of those genres. Terry Pratchett writes with ironic humour, and even a little pathos at times, cleverly pointing out the eccentricities of life that we so often take for granted.

This is a book about Discworld witches. Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat are trying to form a coven. At least, that's what Magrat wants. She is the youngest, newest witch in the neighbourhood and would love to do things traditionally. She has yet to come to terms with the relaxed and permissive lifestyle of Nanny Ogg or the practical 'headology' taught by the austere Granny Weatherwax.

Meanwhile, the King of Lancre just happens to be murdered by a Duke. The Duke is apparently next in line to the throne, and is persuaded to commit the murder by his loud and ambitious wife.

Does that sound vaguely familiar?

Yes, this book is an overt spoof on Shakespeare's 'MacBeth'. With a sprinkling of 'Hamlet', just to make it more interesting, and a touch of 'King Lear'. Familiarity with these plays definitely enhances the enjoyment of 'Wyrd Sisters', although it's not vital.

A baby, the son of the murdered King (complete with the royal crown), is rushed from the palace by a lone horseman. This brave man hands the baby to the witches before dropping dead. The three decide that they can't possibly look after a small child, so they pass him on to a band of travelling players and hide the crown...

The story veers well away from Shakespeare many times, although I expect the Bard would enjoy it thoroughly if he were still alive. Time passes - at times considerably more quickly than usual - and eventually the baby, now grown-up, arrives back in Lancre.

But the plot really isn't all that important. This is a light-hearted book, one to make you laugh out loud if you're so inclined, or at least smile inwardly. There are some lovely images, and references not just to Shakespeare but to classic fairytales: for instance, Granny and Nanny knew personally the witch responsible for the Sleeping Beauty. Apparently she lived in a gingerbread house. Perhaps all fiction in one world is a slightly garbled version of reality in another.

Slightly unusually for Discworld books, 'Wyrd Sisters' is very much character-driven, with the focus primarily on the three witches and the contrast between them. The short, dumpy Nanny Ogg is an earthy type who enjoys a drink (or several) in an evening, and has clearly led a very colourful life. When she's been on the beer, she starts to sing - and her choice of song is generally rather embarrassing to those around her.

Granny Weatherwax is different. She's tall and thin, frugal and strict. Like Nanny she is very caring, although she hates to admit it. She refuses to meddle in politics, doesn't like 'magic' of the wizardly sort, denies any kind of positive emotion, and yet does all she can to assist those whom she cares for.

The newest witch, Magrat, is idealistic and naive. She has studied hard with many books, yet she is mostly unaware of the way men and women are supposed to interact. She becomes friendly with the palace fool: a young man who clearly isn't a fool at all, but who trained at the Fool's Guild because that's what all his family did. So there's even a hint of romance in this book.

Of course Terry Pratchett doesn't appeal to everyone. I'm not really a fan of science fiction or fantasy in general, but I love Pratchett's books. Some fans of serious fantasy find him frivolous, even silly. So, for that matter, do people who prefer serious documentary style books, or realistic novels set in familiar surroundings. You won't learn much from this book, although you might find yourself wondering about the nature of story-telling. There isn't even a great deal that's thought-provoking, unlike some of the more recent books in the series. I suppose you might possibly be inspired to re-read some of Shakespeare's works as a result of 'Wyrd Sisters', but then again you might not. I wasn't, and I've read this book three times now.

Still, if you want something to lighten your mood, or feel like spending a few hours being frivolous, this is an excellent book to pick up. Suitable for adults or teengagers; indeed there's no reason why fluently reading younger children shouldn't enjoy it too, although they would probably miss many of the references. My younger son was about nine when he first read 'Wyrd Sisters', but he enjoyed it more when he was about fourteen.

All in all, I would recommend it highly for an enjoyable light read. There's no need to have read any other Discworld books beforehand since this stands alone, although it works quite well to read 'Witches Abroad' soon after.

As with most of Terry Pratchett's books, this has stayed in print ever since it was first published (which, for this book, was 1989). Amazon.co.uk have the paperback version for £5.59 or second-hand from their marketplace starting from about 90p. Play.com have it at the same price, delivery included within Europe.

Summary: Enjoyable light humour in this 'Witches' novel in the Discworld series