Tiffany heads to become an apprentice to the elderly Witch Miss Level. One the way she is attacked by an indestructible creture called a Hiver which has been around since the beginning of time, absorbing and taking over individuals, feeding off their memories and knowledge. After several surprises in Miss Level's home, Tiffany meets other apprentices, some of whom are convinced that the more showy aspects of magic are the most important thing. Trinketts and explosions over care and morals.
Tiffany, together with her mentor Granny Weatherwax, eventually defeat the Hiver and restore safety to the universe. It's a fairly decent fairy tale, and everyone gets their just desserts or rewards at the end.
Except. It is much more than that. It's a wonderful example of Pratchett's carefully drawn world. His buccolic rural setting where the rural economy is backed up by gentle magic. Where real magic exists, but proper magic is knowing how to look after a dying man and help his widow clean the sheets the day after. Its a carefully constructed moral universe where people love and live, and get back what they put in. The moral Witches' moral economy is particularly interesting, as payment and reward are constantly fed back into the wider social and economic world, keeping things going and passing on good.
Threats to the order are dire, but can be faced with honesty and bravery. While there's a lot of fantasy here, its a kind world where Pratchett celebrates our humanity and kindness in general. We could learn a lot.
Related Reviews
Pratchett - Thief of Time
Pratchett - The Wee Free Men
Pratchett - Moving Pictures
Pratchett - Raising Steam
Pratchett - Snuff
Pratchett - Unseen Academicals
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