Hogfather
1996
- fiction
- wizards
- discworld (imaginary place)
- fantasy
- discworld (imaginary place), fiction
- fiction, fantasy, general
- death (fictitious character : pratchett), fiction
- satire
- humor
- mythology
The story
Who would want to harm Discworld's most beloved icon? Very few things are held sacred in this twisted, corrupt, heartless -- and oddly familiar -- universe, but the Hogfather is one of them. Yet here it is, Hogswatchnight, that most joyous and acquisitive of times, and the jolly old, red-suited gift-giver has vanished without a trace. And there's something shady going on involving an uncommonly psychotic member of the Assassins' Guild and certain representatives of Ankh-Morpork's rather extensive criminal element. Suddenly Discworld's entire myth system is unraveling at an alarming rate. Drastic measures must be taken, which is why Death himself is taking up the reins of the fat man's vacated sleigh . . . which, in turn, has Death's level-headed granddaughter, Susan, racing to unravel the nasty, humbuggian mess before the holiday season goes straight to hell and takes everyone along with it.
What it’s like
Wry, bustling and warm around the edges, with a faintly sinister undertow: the mood of a snowless midwinter feast in a city of chimney smoke, cobbled alleys, tallow candles and roasting goose, where the bright colours of festive decoration sit against grimy, cheerfully corrupt streets. Pratchett's prose is brisk and conversational, full of footnotes, sly asides and sharp little epigrams that land on the page like punchlines, while the descriptions of Hogswatchnight revelry, mince pies and cold winter dark give it a cosy, lamplit texture. It reads well in short bursts with a mug of something hot, on a long winter evening, or as a comfort reread when you want to be made to laugh at the absurd and sentimental alike. The pacing is fast and jokey, with a plot that moves through shadowy guild business and a lonely, thoughtful Death who slowly discovers what it means to matter to people, and a capable, sensible young woman who refuses to let the holiday be ruined. Violence is present, sometimes sudden and grim, but it is comic and quick rather than gory, and the dark bits are handled with a light touch. It suits readers who love satire, dry wit, and a warm-hearted look at belief, meaning and kindness.
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