The Wee Free Men (Discworld #30)

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

This is the first book in a sub-series of young adult Discworld novels that feature Tiffany Aching, a nine year old farmgirl and granddaughter of a rumoured witch. Her granny has now passed away, and she’s beginning to learn a bit about the craft herself, with the help of a talking toad and a troupe of wee blue men in kilts.

Tiffany Aching is just great. I can’t think of a character better suited for a young adult series – the smartest, bravest, most thoughtful kid you’re likely to come across. She’s a good fit for Discworld witches as well, since they rely more on their common sense and intimidation than they do their magic. They’re more about staring people down than zapping people with wands.

First Sight is when you can see what’s really there, not what your head tells you ought to be there.

I always have a hard time writing these posts after reading a Terry Pratchett novel. In most books, I can pick out something specific to focus on, but his tend to be a whirlwind of characters and bizarre events that leave you spinning a bit when you’ve finished. That might come across as negative, and for many authors it would likely point to a disaster of a plot, but Pratchett makes it all work. He’s created a universe in Discworld that thrives on that chaos.

With a comedic, action-packed novel such as this, it’s easy to come away thinking it’s a shallow read, but they’re always full of deep, unique characters and cutting satire. I just love these novels, which is nice as I have nearly a couple dozen of them left to go.

I’d definitely recommend this, particularly as a fun read for young girls and boys, but there’s a tonne here for adults as well.