Wintersmith (by Terry Pratchett)

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When I started re-reading Terry Pratchett’s lengthy ‘Discworld’ series a few years ago - at a rate of about ten per year - I began by reading in order of publication. The series gradually develops, and some characters recur, so it’s often useful to read in order. I wasn’t quite sure where the five ‘Tiffany Aching’ books for older children and teens would fit in, so I searched and found this recommended reading order. 

However I didn’t always remember to consult it, so after reading ‘Going Postal’, and ‘Thud’, I went on to ‘Making Money’, and only thought to check the recommended order afterwards. It doesn’t particularly matter, since each book is complete in itself; I’ve now re-read ‘Wintersmith’, so I’m back on track, with only five more in the series to read. I last read this book in 2007, so although I recalled the basic storyline, I had entirely forgotten the details. 

‘Wintersmith’ - like ‘The Wee Free Men’ and ‘A Hat Full of Sky’ - is shorter than the Discworld books intended for adults. It’s divided into chapters, and written from the perspective of young Tiffany Aching, one of the trainee witches. She turns thirteen in this book, and has been working with Miss Treason, an elderly witch who looks after the affairs of the local village. Tiffany is aware that much of what she does is listening, caring and soothing - a bit of ‘headology’ as the main series puts it - and also that Miss Treason has some other secrets…

Tiffany is taken to watch some ‘dark’ Morris dancing. Miss Treason tells her that she must stay where she is, and observe but not talk. But Tiffany sees a gap in the dance, inviting her in. Her feet tap, and she’s unable to resist the temptation of joining in…

Which leads to a situation not dissimilar to CS Lewis’s Narnia under the White Witch. Except that winter is personified in this book, as the ‘Wintersmith’ - an elemental who suddenly starts thinking, and attempting to feel, and tries to learn how to woo. 

It’s hard to say much without giving spoilers, but perhaps it doesn’t matter as the outcome is inevitable, given that it’s a children’s book; what matters is how the characters reach the concluding chapters. Tiffany is a very likeable, generous person who’s even willing to help others who consider themselves superior to her. I love her ‘second thoughts’ and even ‘third thoughts’, as she argues with herself, or sees where a conversation is going. 

She’s also, as always, aided (or otherwise) by the small blue caricatures of Scottish Highlanders, the Nac Mac Feegle. They have sworn to look after her - and think nothing of opening her private mail, or reading her diary, or hiding in her bedroom. They’re risk-taking, vicious, greedy and easily angered, but they’re also immensely loyal and willing to do anything for those they care about.

Pratchett always used literary allusions in his books, and this is no exception. Stories are important, and familiarity with standard fairy-tales helps in appreciating some of the asides. It’s definitely better to have read the two earlier Tiffany Aching books, and - ideally - at least some of the ‘Witches’ books, since both Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg feature in ‘Wintersmith’. 

Overall I thought it a very enjoyable book, and am glad I’ve re-read it. As with the two earlier books for young people, it would make an excellent introduction to the Discworld; but it’s also well worth reading by adults as part of the whole series.

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