Lords and Ladies

Lords and Ladies (1992) Terry Pratchett (Discworld: Witches)

The witches are finally back in Lancre, and Magrat is getting married–much to her own surprise.

But it isn’t actually that bad a deal.

Verence II was the most amiable monarch in the history of Lancre. His subjects regarded him with the sort of good-natured contempt that is the fate of all those who work quietly and conscientiously for the public good.

He had formed the unusual opinion that the job of a king is to make the kingdom a better place for everyone to live in.

Unfortunately for Lancre, some foolish girls have been trying to be witches–at the Standing Stones.

This story is also about Granny Weatherwax, in that we see a bit more of her youth, and possibly what she could have become if she hadn’t become who she was.

(T)here’s a certain glint in her eye generally possessed by those people who have found that they are more intelligent than most people around them but who haven’t yet learned that one of the most intelligent things they can do is prevent said people ever finding this out.

We also get some more Jason Ogg.

(T)hat was the bargain— you shod anything they brought to you, anything, and the payment was that you could shoe anything.

And there are elves.

(P)eople didn’t seem to be able to remember what it was like with the elves around. Life was certainly more interesting then, but usually because it was shorter. And it was more colorful, if you liked the color of blood.

But best of all, this book has The Librarian.

Ridcully felt moved to investigate.

“The Librarian,” he repeated.

“Yes. You said.” Shawn nodded at the orangutan. “How d’you do?”

“Ook.”

“You might be wondering why he looks like that,” Ridcully prompted.

“No, sir.”

“No?”

“My mum says none of us can help how we’re made,” said Shawn.

Nanny Ogg might be difficult, but she did raise good sons.

Personal’s not the same as important. People just think it is.”

That’s something to keep in mind.

Publisher: HarperCollins
Rating: 8/10

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