This is one of my absolute favorites within the entire Discworld series. I firmly believe that Nanny and Granny reach their pinnacle in this book when it comes to their engaging back-and-forth dialogue. The way the two play off each other in this particular installment is truly delightful. Even though I must have reread this novel around 20 times, it still manages to tickle my fancy.

The book commences with the death of Desiderata Hollow, an elderly witch who, like most witches, had foreseen her own end and knew precisely when she was going to die. This was especially convenient in her case as it enabled her to set in motion plans that would carry on even after her passing. Using her skills in headology, she ensured that Esme, Nanny, and Magrat would make their way to Genua. Esmerelda’s sister, Lilith, had gone power-mad and Desiderata was ultimately no match for her. She was ruling the entire city and forcing its inhabitants into stories of her own making, regardless of whether they desired to be a part of it or not. Currently, she was manipulating a young girl into marrying a frog prince, although she had disguised him to appear like a regular prince. However, the disguise was not flawless and the young bride-to-be, Emberella, wanted nothing to do with him. She thought he was slimy and was concerned by the whispers of the townsfolk regarding his eyes.
Desiderata lured the three Lancre witches into this situation by sending Magrat the fairy godmother wand, along with a letter stating that she was now the second Fairy Godmother to Emberella and that she was to travel to Genua to halt the wedding. (There are always two fairy godmothers, the good one and the bad one, of course.) So, off went Granny, Nanny, and Magrat several thousand miles across the Discworld to Genua, a completely foreign land.
On their journey to Genua, they encountered some dwarves who had been trapped in a cave-in. Nanny had a house dropped on her, and they discovered a half-human, half-wolf creature that was in absolute misery and a victim of Lilith’s meddling. Throughout this adventure, Magrat did her best to assist with her magic wand, but all she could manage to do was turn things into pumpkins. The three witches consumed more pumpkin than they ever wished to on this journey to foreign parts. The letters home that Nanny sent were some of the most entertaining aspects of this book. The three witches were amazed by things like garlic and food that hadn’t been boiled.
We had some stuff it was chewy you’ll never guess it was snails, and not bad and Esme had three helpins before she found out and then had a Row with the cook and Magrat was sick all night just at the thought of it and had the dire rear. Thinking of you your loving MUM. PS the privies here are DESGUSTING, they have them INDORES, so much for HIGEINE.
Once they arrived in Genua, they encountered Mrs. Gogol – a voodoo witch. She was also dissatisfied with what was transpiring in Genua, and her magic was not to be underestimated. At one point, both she and Granny wanted to “take care of Lilith”. Esme insisted it was a family matter, which pushed Mrs. Gogol’s buttons enough for her to perform voodoo on Esme. Oh, and Greebo made his first appearance as a human. So there’s that

The Witches series has been captivating, and this installment is by far the best. Instead of writing a traditional review, I'd like to share some of my favorite quotes.

People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around. This quote makes us realize the power of stories and how they can influence our lives.

People whose wishes get granted often don't turn out to be very nice people. It's a thought-provoking statement that makes us think about the consequences of getting what we want.

Wisdom is one of the few things that looks bigger the further away it is. It reminds us that wisdom is something that we gain over time and experience.

You can't go around building a better world for people. Only people can build a better world for people. Otherwise it's just a cage. This quote emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in creating a better world.

Humanity's a nice place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there. It's a humorous yet profound statement that makes us reflect on the flaws and virtues of humanity.

Good and bad is tricky," she said. "I ain't too certain about where people stand. P'raps what matters is which way you face. This quote shows the complexity of morality and how our perspective can determine what we consider good or bad.

The first of the Discworld novels that I have read, following the publication order mostly, although I skipped Reaper Man and will return to it next, left me with an immediate thought: "Everything about that was absolutely perfect."

The easy chemistry between Nanny and Granny is not only uproariously hilarious but also astonishingly truthful in a way that most fictional friendships fail to achieve. How often do they think something negative about one another yet wisely hold their tongues in the moment? This is because they know each other inside out. They understand that voicing those thoughts would lead to no good, and they accept each other's shortcomings. In real friendships, this is indeed a thing that we do all the time. I simply love them.

That's not to say that Magrat doesn't have her place in the trio. In Witches Abroad, she did her best to be more assertive, but ultimately her ongoing identity crisis remains her defining feature. And that's kind of the point, so it's okay.

The absolute highlight of the novel for me was the "Northern English biddies on holiday" aspect. I couldn't help it. Being from Lancashire myself, which Lancre is based on, Granny in particular is a spot-on portrayal of the Northern tourist of the 80s who thinks garlic bread is an exotic delicacy and anything more daring can safely be classified as "foreign muck". Nanny is so much like my own dear departed Grandmother that at times I found myself laughing and getting misty-eyed simultaneously.

The twisted take on fairytales and how we are shaped by stories was brilliantly executed. At times, it was even quite disturbing for the Discworld. The part with the wolf actually made my skin prickle a bit. The underlying social commentary is very Pratchett: Forcing people into what you have determined to be the "correct" narrative is wrong. Leave others alone to live their lives. It was relevant then, it's relevant now, and no doubt it will continue to be so.

Brilliant stuff indeed. This is certain to be a comfort read for me in the future.

Perhaps it's the favorite book about witches.

Gribo and Nana, a tandem of life

Listening to the audiobook again, this time with my daughter.

It's a wonderful experience to share this with her. As the narrator's voice fills the room, we both get lost in the story.

My daughter's eyes light up with excitement and curiosity, and I can see her imagination running wild.

We discuss the characters and the plot as we listen, and it's a great way to bond with her.

The audiobook brings the story to life in a whole new way, and it's something we both look forward to doing again.

It's a simple pleasure that allows us to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just enjoy each other's company.

Listening to the audiobook with my daughter is a memory that I will cherish for a long time.

\\n  \\"It's not staying in the same place that's the problem,\\" said Nanny. \\"It's not letting your mind wander.\\" \\n



Witches Abroad is, without a doubt, one of the most captivating Discworld novels to date when read chronologically. In this enchanting tale, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat embark on an exciting adventure. Their mission? To prevent a peasant girl named Emberella from marrying a prince. Along their journey, the witches stumble upon numerous stories. One such story involves a girl in a red riding hood and a rather befuddled big bad wolf. However, there's no need to fret as the three witches possess a plethora of talents that enable them to derail events that are meant to be.



As is the case with most Discworld novels, one's enjoyment is typically determined by two factors. Firstly, the cast of characters plays a crucial role. The three witches in this book form a perfect ensemble, and their comedic interactions are truly a delight. Secondly, the concept's position on the scale of ridiculousness matters. This novel strikes a perfect balance, falling somewhere in the middle. The story unfolds naturally around the witches, and while it's still absurd, the parody of classic princess stories is easy to understand. Accompanied by Greebo, Nanny's fearsome cat (capable of stopping a stampede of bulls with a single glare), Death himself, and several recognizable storybook characters, this book is likely to be one of the more memorable ones once I've completed all 40.



Just as an additional note, I've always found it amusing how Death is rarely mentioned by name in most of the books, aside from his introduction in Colour of Magic and in his own series. Instead, his presence is indicated by the all-caps manner of speaking. I had a few good laughs over this in Witches Abroad, despite his relatively small part.

3.5 stars

I firmly believe that this is the third book to prominently feature Granny Weatherwax. In fact, having read the previous books is not an absolute necessity to fully understand this particular installment. They simply serve as an introduction to the characters. It's interesting to note that some of the Discworld books are more focused on the plot, while others seem to be more of an excuse to cram in a whole bunch of jokes. This one, however, leans more towards being plot-based.

In this story, Granny, Magrat, and Nanny find themselves up against a fairy godmother nemesis. This leads them on a journey to foreign lands, where they encounter various fairy tales. They traverse through countries that bear a vague resemblance to France, Spain, Transylvania, and New Orleans. The resulting culture clashes are truly quite amusing and add an extra layer of entertainment to the narrative.

Death makes a small appearance, which is always an interesting addition. And Greebo the cat, despite being something of an a–hole, manages to be rather endearing. Some parts of the book are hilarious, such as the line "She had buried at least three husbands, and two of them were already dead." While others are more profound, like "You can’t go around building a better world for people. Only people can build a better world for people. Otherwise it’s just a cage."

Book Blog

Između 4 i 5, there is a tough choice. But let's go with 5⭐️. After all, it is extremely difficult to find so many powerful and interesting women in one place!

"Good and evil are often intertwined," she said. "I'm not even sure which side people are on. Maybe what matters is which side you look at." This statement makes us think deeply about the complexity of human nature and the ambiguity of moral judgments. In a world full of contradictions and uncertainties, it is not always easy to distinguish between right and wrong. Sometimes, our perception of good and evil may be influenced by our own perspectives, emotions, and interests.

These powerful and interesting women, gathered together, may bring different ideas and energies. Their presence may challenge our traditional观念 and force us to reevaluate our values. It is in this process of interaction and collision that new possibilities and opportunities may emerge.

When Magrat is designated as the next Fairy Godmother, a legacy from her mentor, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg feel compelled to help her straighten out the troubles of her new fairy goddaughter.

"I don't trust that wand," said Granny. "It looks wizardly to me." "Oh, come on," said Magrat, "generations of fairy godmothers have used it." pg 47

Unfortunately, the city where this young woman resides is quite far away. That means a roadtrip - something that some of the witches tolerate better than others.

Complicating matters is the fact that Fairy Godmothers always come in pairs, a good one and a bad one. We all know that Magrat is good so...

The other Godmother works her magic through the power of stories. She may have some unique ideas about what constitutes a happy ending.

"People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around. Stories exist independently of their players. If you know that, the knowledge is power." pg 8

Terry Pratchett has crafted three unforgettable characters in the witches. Their traveling, as well as evil-fighting, hijinks are amusing, like in the previous entries in this series.

But let's talk about Magrat for a minute.

"Magrat would be the first to admit that she had an open mind. It was as open as a field, as open as the sky. No mind could be more open without special surgical implements." pg 28

Though he's writing it humorously, the elder witches constantly bully Magrat not only for her youth but also for her progressive ideas about what witchcraft should be. In addition, her open-mindedness makes her a target for derision.

Despite her efforts to look mysterious through the use of various pieces of "occult" jewelry, Magrat is teased by other characters (and the narrator) for her funny hair and ridiculous appearance.

It makes me want to reach through the pages and say, just lay off her already, people. She's trying to do the best she can with what she has, where she's at. Can't say the same for everyone else here.

"There's nothing wrong with happy endings," said Magrat hotly. "Listen, happy endings is fine if they turn out happy," said Granny, glaring at the sky. "But you can't make 'em for other people..." pg 103

The denigration of Magrat makes me view the other characters negatively. Because, even though Granny and Nanny are considered experts in witchcraft as well as wise (in their respective spheres), I don't think they're worthy of respect from others when they treat their young colleague like garbage.

I'm not sure why this dynamic between the witches is bothering me more on the second read-through than it did the first, which was eight or so years ago. But it does.

I still consider Witches Abroad an excellent read when I look past the treatment-of-Magrat issues. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy humorous fantasy.

**"Lords and Ladies" - A Hilarious Adventure in the Discworld**

"Humanity is a nice place to visit, but you wouldn't want to stay."

Terry Pratchett's 12th installment of the Discworld series, "Lords and Ladies," takes us on a wild ride with our three beloved witches. They are on a whirlwind tour of fairy tales, all while trying to prevent a girl from marrying a prince. And yes, there are plenty of pumpkins involved, along with some gumbo.

This book is yet another outstanding addition to the series. It's one of the strongest entries, drawing on familiar fairy tales and other elements that most people will recognize. But Pratchett adds his own unique twist, resulting in non-stop hilarity. For me, it was definitely one of the more "laugh-out-loud" Discworld books so far.

Esme, Gytha, and Magrat are all in top form. It's interesting to see them a bit outside of their comfort zone in this story. While the supporting characters may not be as strong as in some other installments, the three witches, especially Esme and Gytha, more than make up for it.

The plot is entertaining, although perhaps a bit weaker than some of the others. However, Pratchett's inclusion and reimagining of so many classic fairytales more than compensate for this.

The only letdown for me was the lack of as many footnotes as usual. Those footnotes are often the best parts of the Discworld books. Still, "Lords and Ladies" is another fantastic addition to the Discworld series.

‘We’re her godmothers,’ said Granny.
‘That’s right,’ said Nanny Ogg.
‘We’ve got a wand, too,’ said Magrat.
‘But you hate godmothers, Mistress Weatherwax,’ said Mrs Gogol.
‘We’re the other kind,’ said Granny. ‘We’re the kind that gives people what they know they really need, not what we think they ought to want.’

The witches - Granny, Nanny, and Magrat - are about to embark on a rather unusual mission. The ward of Desidarata is in trouble, held captive by the malevolent influence of a mysterious force. It involves strange elements like mirrors, frogs, glass slippers, and even zombies. None of the witches have ever ventured abroad before, and as they make their way across the Discworld, chaos and mayhem seem to follow in their wake. What's worse, some people have no respect for witches at all!

‘They treated us as if we was ordinary people,’ said Granny, in a shocked voice.

Witches Abroad was indeed a lot of fun. It had its moments of humor, cuteness, and even darkness. There was a scene where - they killed a wolf out of mercy - However, for some reason, there was still something that I found more enjoyable in Wyrd Sisters. Perhaps it was the absence of a traditional fairy tale setting in Witches Abroad that didn't quite appeal to me as much.

Part of the Pratchett reread with the SpecFic Buddy Reads group.

This is an unusual book in this series for me. It was released during a very hectic period in my life. So, I didn't read it when it was newly released. In fact, I didn't pick it up until long after at least the next book in the Witches series came out.

The elderly witch Desiderata Hollow passes away, leaving her position as one of a pair of fairy godmothers to Magrat Garlick. This also presents a task for Magrat, Nanny Ogg, and Granny Weatherwax in the distant country of Genua. The other fairy godmother is in Genua and is using the power of Stories for her own purposes. Our witches must journey there and prevent the marriage of a young girl to the handsome prince. This is extremely challenging when the story seems determined to unfold.

This book does a great deal to solidify the wonderful characters of the witches and lay the groundwork for the ongoing series. It's also another exploration of the author's concepts about stories having a life of their own. (This is a bit different from how Moving Pictures dealt with it, and it's actually expanded upon well in The Science of Discworld II: The Globe, where the authors discuss home narrativium.)

There's a significant amount of lighthearted commentary on provincial tourists venturing into the wider world. It could have been unkind, but instead, it comes across with the author's evident fondness for these characters.