#Review: Equal Rites

Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

This book deals with the fact that often a prejudice can be reinforced by the very people we assume would be fighting it. Pratchett demonstrates this through the character of Granny Weatherwax. I’ve read some of the Tiffany Aching books in which she is remembered for her wisdom and practical kindness. So it is a great pleasure to finally meet her. I simply love Granny Weatherwax’s pragmatic no nonsense approach to life, probably because in many ways she reminds me a great deal of a less cosmopolitan version of my mother. Though my mother claimed to be feminist she sometimes perpetrated very non-feminist ideals. Granny certainly behaves in this way and supports a system of a male dominated sphere of learning because that is how it has always been. Thankfully, Pratchett uses the character of Eskarina and her magical staff to readjust Granny Weatherwax’s views.

Introduced into the mix is the wonderfully nerdy figure of Simon the wizard apprentice. He is a character plagued by his stammer and almost constant hay fever. Despite this, he’s endearing and wonderful because he’s too intelligent for his own good. The dynamics between the wizards and Granny had me clutching my sides yet again.

As we travel to Ankh-Morpork with Eskarina, we see the comings and goings of the Disc World through her eyes and ears. Since they are the eyes and ears of a nine year old, we are made acutely aware of how strange the world is, regardless of whether it a fantasy one or not. Eskarina asks difficult questions and makes adults uncomfortable because they know their words and actions are often covered by a film of deceit or delusion. Eskarina’s character challenges us to see who we really are and decide whether we can live with ourselves or alter our world view and be more open to what is constantly new and changing in our world.

So now, for me, it's on to the next book in the series. Will you join me in my journey through the Disc World?

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