(only NOT)
Maskerade, by Terry Pratchett
CONTENT WARNING: Humor
(overindulgence may lead to sore cheeks — not the ones on your backside — or cramped sides; please read responsibly)
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Meet Agnes Nitt.
Agnes is a witch. She doesn’t want to be a witch, partially because to be a witch means she will have to stay out in the sticks, which is a place she desperately wants to escape. It also means she would come under the tutelage of Esmeralda Weatherwax, who is THE Witch of Lancre (though Esme’s sidekick, Nanny Ogg, sort of usurps the title in her attempt to become a celebrated author of ‘recipes’) and that – if she’s lucky – she would never get any farther away from her hometown than, possibly, to Bad Ass*, which is the next town over.
So Agnes Nitt escapes.
She runs away escapes.
To the big city.
Specifically, to the the big city of Ankh-Morpork.**
Where she takes a new name (Perdita) and a new profession: opera singer. (She can throw her voice, of course. And she can sing harmony with herself in three parts. Also, she is the embodiment of the concept It ain’t over til the fat lady sings. So really, the profession is nearly perfect.)
Except that there is a ghost in the opera house. And the ghost seems to have gone from benign lucky influence to murdering nutcase.
Or has he?
While Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg set out to find Agnes Nitt, who has set out to find herself, somehow or other, someone must find out what’s happening to the opera.
(And if you’ve ever watched Andrew Lloyd Weber’s productions and asked yourself that very question — WHAT is happening to the opera?!? — you’re quite likely to love this book.)****
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for the April A-to-Z Blogging Challenge: letters OP
My theme for this year’s challenge is Music as Muse. You can find my other A-to-Z Challenge posts here.
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*A donkey once enmired itself in the unstickable mud of the river there, and since the donkey refused to leave and therefore the people utilizing the donkey were unable to continue any further on their journey, they named the town after said donkey. Therefore: Bad Ass. (Or something like that.)
**Their monetary notes are none too stable but apparently the way the city got out of its financial decline was to invest in pork futures. So there are completely empty refrigerated warehouses on the Morpork side of Ankh-Morpork, dedicated to the future of possible pig carcasses. It’s all very complicated and completely on the up-and-up but I expect it’s quite baffling to the everyday citizen; only those who’ve been hosed by the Dow Jones will truly understand.
****Also, if you love the opera: you’re likely to enjoy this book. Or at least cringe at its observations in a Yes that’s true BUT kind of way.
That sounds so engaging – I will have to look it up! I admit to be pulled in by The Phantom of the Opera heading! My FAVOURITE – bar none -new age “opera” the original version with Colm Wilkonson and Sarah Brightman (speaking of music, ADORE her voice particularly in concert with Andrea Bocelli…. (Time to Say Goodbye… swoon).
It’s a fun read.
Being a fan/student of Shakespeare, I also really like Lords and Ladies, by the same author. And Pratchett rifs on classical mythology in Wintersmith. I find most of his writing to be highly entertaining. 🙂
Dang, you are a smart cookie! I am not musical. I was a jock. Our kid is very much into musical theater though so we enjoy all that she has done. These poor artists that can’t perform because of Covid…… tough on them (and others as well.) They are missing the stage!
Windy recently posted…No, On Peace
I did both when I was young — musician and athlete. Both skill sets have served me well in life. 🙂
That is wonderful. Multi-talented! You are using both sides of your brain! What sports did you play? I played volleyball, softball, golf, and basketball. I also played basketball at Division 1 school. Now we just golf and I fish while he reads!
Okay, gonna go enter my name, email and website for the millionth time like you have to do when you come over to blogger ……pain in the ass! (I just read your comment somewhere else…… blogable, I think…… LOL)
Windy recently posted…No, On Peace
I know, the comments section needs to be simplified. Thanks for taking the time to repeat-enter your info.
I played softball (catcher & outfielder), doubles tennis, spent one season diving (swim team, not scuba), and was a cheerleader.
My younger sister was the basketball/volleyball girl. (She’s ten years younger and six inches taller than me.)
loved the phantom. not too sure about liking the plot. but ALW tunes are always very memorable. I remember doing a tribute concert in school. ALW overkill, that was.
never did sport growing up. I played piano, flute and alto recorder in a recorder ensemble; sang in a million choirs, at least 2 at any time. Was choirmistress in church choir(s), played organ at mass, organised carolling arrangements and wrote music for christmas pageants; took the local community choir to grassroot competitions, sang/performed at residents’ night d n d’s; was resident funeral pianist in church at one point… but couldn’t hit a ball to save my life.
I only learnt to cycle, rollerblade, bowl and play tennis and pool in my 20s. 😀
fondles recently posted…V is for Variety, Verdict, Verdant and W is for Waffles
I was a pianist too. 🙂
I’ve been reading too much serious/sad stuff lately, and think a dose of Terry Pratchett might be a great antidote. I’ll be looking for this one.
I love the Discworld witches. They make stunningly accurate observations — often funny, always true — and also make for great entertainment. 🙂
Love the music from the Phantom, but realize I don’t know the story behind it 😉
~ Marie xox
It’s a bit creepy, really.
The book I’m talking about pokes fun at Phantom, but has its own story line.
Sounds like a book i’d enjoy – if it pokes a little fun at phantom!
Like your content warning 😉
May x
May More recently posted…Social Media Personalities ~ Tribes & Virtuous Vibes
Yes, I felt the CW was necessary. 😉
I love Terry Pratchett! I didn’t realize he wrote a “spoof” on Phantom. Now that I know, I feel that I must read it. If it doesn’t exist, rest assured I am already writing it in my mind. GNU Terry Pratchett!
I really like the Discworld novels, especially the witches. Being a Phantom music fan, his poking fun at ALW’s creation just made this book a’ll the more fun for me. 🙂