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Witches Abroad

Witches Abroad
Witches Abroad

Terry Pratchett

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Synopsis


Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg are going on a trip to avert certain disaster. Terry Pratchett's Discworld returns with another laugh-out-loud adventure dissecting everyone's favourite fairy tales.



It seemed an easy job... After all, how difficult could it be to make sure that a servant girl doesn't marry a prince?

But for the witches Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick, travelling to the distant city of Genua, things are never that simple...

Servant girls have to marry the prince. That's what life is all about. You can't fight a Happy Ending.

At least - up until now...

Readers love Witches Abroad:

'This book not only delivers silly fun and fast-paced action (including not one but TWO witches' duels), but also contemplations on some very deep matters' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'[Pratchett] balances humour and poignancy so masterfully that I can't help but marvel at it' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Nanny and Granny are at their height in this book as far as their back-and-forth dialogue. The two play so well off of each other' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I'll never view the fairy tales of my youth the same way again after reading this one. Definitely worth 5 stars' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The twisted take on fairytales and how we're shaped by stories was brilliantly executed, and at times even pretty disturbing . . . The underlying social commentary is very Pratchett' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Summary

Chapter 1: Brief Lives

- The three witches, Nanny Ogg, Magrat Garlick, and Granny Weatherwax, are summoned to the kingdom of Lancre to serve as midwives for Queen Apalonia's first child.
- Real-life example: Summoning a midwife for the birth of a royal heir is a historical practice.

Chapter 2: Birthdays and Banquets

- The witches arrive in Lancre and attend a banquet in their honor.
- Real-life example: Banquets were common in medieval courts to celebrate royal events.

Chapter 3: The Princess and the Bear

- The witches discover that Princess Esmeralda has been turned into a bear.
- Real-life example: Legends of princesses turning into animals are found in various folklore traditions.

Chapter 4: The King's Confusion

- King Verence, Apalonia's husband, is bewildered by the witches' presence.
- Real-life example: Encounters between medieval rulers and those outside conventional society could be unsettling.

Chapter 5: Eggs and Omens

- The witches use magic to determine the fate of the kingdom.
- Real-life example: Divination and casting spells were widely practiced in medieval times.

Chapter 6: Witches on the Run

- The witches are falsely accused of kidnapping Esmeralda and flee.
- Real-life example: Witch hunts and persecution of alleged witches occurred during the Middle Ages.

Chapter 7: Granny Speaks

- Granny Weatherwax confronts the real culprits behind Esmeralda's transformation.
- Real-life example: Powerful female characters who defy norms are found throughout history and literature.

Chapter 8: The Battle of Lancre

- The forces of good and evil clash in a climactic battle for the fate of the kingdom.
- Real-life example: Medieval battles were often a mix of magic, superstition, and military strategy.

Chapter 9: After the Fire

- The witches return to Lancre as heroes and restore balance to the realm.
- Real-life example: The triumphant return of heroes after a perilous journey is a common literary trope.

Chapter 10: The Path of a Witch

- The witches continue their adventures, embracing their roles as guardians of the magical world.
- Real-life example: The concept of witches as protectors of nature and ancient wisdom resonates with modern-day spiritual beliefs.