They say
little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it’s not half as bad as a lot of
ignorance.
I feel that
this is an important book in this franchise, not just coming at it from a
gender empowerment angle but also in how it lays bare the system of magic
inherent to the Discworld universe, and the hierarchical systems that defines
the users of the same.
Eskerina is
at the center of all of this (the badass from Bad Ass, yes, that’s her
village’s name) – and Pratchett creates a wonderful ‘coming of age’ story for
this young witch…I mean wizard. Cause that is who she is. The first female
wizard of Discworld.
From the
outset we realize there is something wrong as a dying wizard bestows his powers
upon the eighth born of the eight son, and Esk is destined for something great.
Yes, the ‘chosen one’ theme seems to be coming here again, but it can’t be faulted
since it’s so natural and predetermined – and not even the central conflict.
We get the
usual beats as Granny, the witch of the house, seems to find fault with the
notions that her gender and the arrogance of wizard magic can even collide. We
repeatedly get to see how different they are, witch magic and wizard magic.
Witch magic is all about becoming one with nature and learning your limits,
while wizard magic is boundless, often dominant and about control.
Especially
wonderful is how possession of other life is done, in a respectful manner at
first by Granny and then horror when Esk unlocks it and is almost devoured by
it.
Sentience
and respect are two more themes in the book, especially when we associate them
with abstract notions like buildings and magic itself, and inanimate objects
like Esk’s staff. You need to learn how to work with them to become a better
version of yourself, but never let yourself slip away when you do.
Pratchett
does wonderfully balancing serious beats and the more humorous notes even as
Esk and Granny go on this journey of discovery, finally culminating in the
gates of the Unseen University. Ever since
Rincewind basically flunked out of this place (and we got a glimpse of the
wizardly bureaucrats there), I have been curious to see the place Pratchett
basically uses as a denouncement of administrative lacuna and arrogant
pretentiousness. And that’s the biggest issue – of entitlement. Esk suffers a
bit from it, cause magic is so natural to her – bleeding out of her in fantastical
but often concerning ways. While Simon, who we are introduced to as well, holds
the key to unlocking dimensions.
And that is
how we come to the resolution of the book. The Dungeon Dimensions make an
appearance, as Simon unwittingly destroys the bridge between that place and all
of reality. I did get a little tired seeing the same horror used again, as also
another world ending threat so soon after Light Fantastic – but I do understand
the purpose.
It’s all
about power and those who choose to wield it. That basically saves Discworld,
and gives a powerful commentary on how you need to help people who are capable,
and not define them with your stereotypical mindsets. All the characters, young
and old, learn of cooperation and new ways of living (while I was a little
concerned with how on the nose the author made this divide between genders,
especially with their roles in certain places). And leave me wanting to find
out more about them.
I hope to
find all of them in better circumstances again one day as I traverse along this
world some more.
So, I give
it 8.5 out of 10
+Gender
issues handled quite tactfully
+A wonderful
look into a key institution of this world
+The
brilliant resolution
+Magic is
dissected in interesting ways
-The
conflict again resorts to world ending
-Some
stereotypes did go too far
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