BookXcess Reviews The Wee Free Men – Terry Pratchett

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Illustrated Wee Free Men: A Story of Discworld – Terry Pratchett & Stephen Player (Illustrator)
Price: RM29.90

1. So, what’s this book about?
It is about a 9-year-old witch wannabe, Tiffany Aching, who goes on a quest to save her sticky little brother from the evil Queen of Fairyland. With an iron frying pan as her weapon, Tiffany fought through various mini adventures together with a bunch of tiny ickle blue men with very strong Scottish accents called the Nac Mac Feegle or pictsies or Wee Free Men.

2. What’s special about it?
This book is Terry Pratchett’s second Young Adult Discworld book (30th adult version). This particular version has brilliant illustrations by Stephen Player which makes it more appealing and fun to read.

The best thing about reading a Terry Pratchett book is that you don’t need to be up to date with the earlier books to be able to read this one, although they are very much connected to each other. It is funny, and serious, and frightening, and happy, and strange, and ridiculous, and heartfelt, all at the same time. And who wouldn’t want to read about strange little blue men??!!

3. What are your thoughts on this book?
It is a typical Pratchett’s creation. Filled with exciting adventures which will make you want to turn the page and the page after that. And he’s seriously funny too! Although I do feel that Wee Free Men is a bit down-to-earth compared to his other works, but it is a bit easier to be read and perhaps could be a great starting point for the reader who has yet to try Terry Pratchett’s books.

4. Would you recommend this book to anyone?
Yes, absolutely! If you enjoy reading fantasy then this is a must read. And it is a must that you have a copy of this fantastic version!

5. Random question: What is this strange land called Discworld about?
For the uninitiated, Discworld is “a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants which, in turn, stand on the back of a giant turtle,” as Wikipedia succinctly puts it.

Review by BookXcess part-time staff Zeela