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A review by icarusabides
Maskerade by Terry Pratchett
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I know next to nothing about Opera so perhaps I'm not getting everything I could out of this book but despite my lacking knowledge in this area I still had a fantastic time with this book. The plot works regardless and the Witches are just on incredible form, especially Nanny Ogg who is capable of stealing each and every scene she's even remotely close to.
There's a good supporting cast to the Witches as well with Greebo along for the ride once more, a few cameos from The Watch as they prop up the odd wall here and there, and of course Walter Plinge the amiable outsider who's genial nature and unconventional form leads unfortunately to ostracision and suspicion.
Agnes is an interesting character to explore as, quite like Walter, she's something of an unfortunate outsider wherever she goes and her determination to push against the inexorable pull of her supposed future as a Witch because she sees this as cementing that lonely outsider status is fascinating. It's also pretty understandable to be annoyed by Granny's complete, and usually correct, belief that you'll do what she says eventually.
There's a good supporting cast to the Witches as well with Greebo along for the ride once more, a few cameos from The Watch as they prop up the odd wall here and there, and of course Walter Plinge the amiable outsider who's genial nature and unconventional form leads unfortunately to ostracision and suspicion.
Agnes is an interesting character to explore as, quite like Walter, she's something of an unfortunate outsider wherever she goes and her determination to push against the inexorable pull of her supposed future as a Witch because she sees this as cementing that lonely outsider status is fascinating. It's also pretty understandable to be annoyed by Granny's complete, and usually correct, belief that you'll do what she says eventually.
“Granny really couldn't be having at all with Nanny Ogg, who was her best friend.”
Three is a good number when it comes to Witches because as the book itself says:
"You needed at least three witches for a coven. Two witches was just an argument."
However, that said, two is also a pretty entertaining number when it comes to Witches because those arguments and squabble between Granny and Nanny Ogg make for a rather hilarious double act throughout this book.
"Gytha,” she said, “this is me askin’ you this. Is there any page in this book, is there any single recipe, which does not in some way relate to . . . goings-on?” Nanny Ogg, her face red as her apples, seemed to give this some lengthy consideration. “Porridge,” she said, eventually. “Really?” “Yes. Er. No, I tell a lie, it’s got my special honey mixture in it.” Granny turned a page. “What about this one? Maids of Honor?” “Weeelll, they starts out as Maids of Honor,” said Nanny, fidgeting with her feet, “but they ends up Tarts.” Granny looked at the front cover again. The Joye of Snacks."