Witches Abroad

‘This is a story about stories. Or what it really means to be a fairy godmother. But it's also, particularly, about reflections and mirrors.'

First published in 1991 Witches Abroad is the 12th Discworld novel and the 3rd Witches story. The story revolves around three witches Magrat Garlickand, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg. Their mission is to try to stop a wedding. What follows is a journey which sees them getting involved in unusual versions of scenes from well-known fairytales. This mingles with culturally relevant themes and events, all translated to the Discworld

The experience of Granny Weatherwax contrasts against the youngest in the group Magrat. Magrat is not always comfortable in her role as a fairy Godmother and the responsibility this now demands.

Of course, Granny Weatherwax is the heroine of the book. She's especially amusing because of her responses to the events and situations the group find themselves in. Each witch has a different personality leading to constant bickering. Of course, being Pratchett the dialogue is all humorous stuff.

The idea behind the book is the power of the story and the nature of storytelling and of fairy tales. Stories “play themselves” and shape people's actions to their own ends. People who resist their roles in stories do so at their peril. It's a good idea for a short story but I felt that at times it became stretched out to try to make it into a full novel.

So in summary, a nice addition to the Discworld series. While the story idea is expanded to make it into a full novel, it is amusing and well worth a read.