Equal Rites
So, it’s another Disworld novel: this time Equal Rites. I think I liked this better than Witches Abroad even though it was lacking Nanny Ogg. Granny Weatherwax improved on me I have to say. And Esk, though only a child is a memorable little character with a strong heart. I found myself rooting for her in her attempts to secure a place as the first female wizard in the Unseen University.
Pratchett’s humour is such that I find it difficult to describe at times. I have attempted to explain certain discworld characters or events to other people but it is always lost on them. You just have to read a Discworld novel to understand it. It’s like watching wacky comedy where the actions and expressions are the key to creating a laugh. Pratchett gives us just enough information to create the characters for ourselves in our minds. You can practically hear the accents and see the events unfold but each reader must experience this for themselves. Yet Pratchett’s characters are so distinct and well written that I think everybody’s images must be somewhat similar…in fact any cartoons or sketches I have come across of Discworld characters usually resemble the pictures I have in my head.
With Equal Rites, as with the other novels, Pratchett has commented on familiar issues which plague society and our daily lives. This time around, it is the place of women and their right to equality. The Discworld is rather old fashioned so naturally women are second fiddle to men a lot of the time. This doesn’t stop them making themselves heard of course! Both Esk and Granny have a knack for making the men feel stupid and inferior…and they’re right too! You’d never know I was a girl would you? Go Esk!
