One last Christmas book because I’ve always meant to read Hogfather at Christmastime. But, how do I explain Terry Pratchett’s sense of humor, philosophy, and even the plot and characters of this book to someone who hasn’t entered Pratchett’s Discworld at least once? I’ll give it a try, but this book may make no sense whatsoever.

It’s Hogwatchnight, the most wonderful time of year when Hogfather climbs into his sleigh pulled by four giant hogs, Gouger, Tusker, Rooter, and Snouter. Children all over the world have written to him asking for gifts. But, this year, Hogfather has disappeared. Death himself steps in to circle Discworld in the sleigh because he’s the only one who truly understands what will happen if children no longer believe, and if Hogfather disappears. And, the Tooth Fairy doesn’t have any appointments this week, and is gone. Gods don’t completely die, but they do disappear if no one believes in them.

Who would want to make Hogfather disappear? There’s a member of the Assassin’s Guild who scares even the other assassins. For enough money, the guild will take anyone’s life. And, there’s a small band of thieves who will accept money to even help an assassin. The wizards of Unseen University are a little slow to realize that creatures who once existed have reappeared. They disappeared because no one believed in them, and now they’re reappearing.

Susan Sto-Helit finally realizes she has to act. She’s desperate to be normal, so she’s taken a job as a governess. It does upset the mistress of the house that the governess is a duchess, but Susan tries. She’s just particularly good at handling the monsters that appear under children’s beds and in the cellars. But, she is Death’s granddaughter. And, when she hears he’s taking Hogfather’s place, she knows something is wrong in Discworld. And, she’ll do her best to set the universe right again.

Terry Pratchett always had a way of taking our normal world and beliefs, and twisting them just enough to make them appear ridiculous while at the same time forcing us to pay attention. Why do people believe in gods and Hogfather and the Tooth Fairy? Oh, there are reasons, and if you read Hogfather, you’ll discover how scary it can be if people don’t believe.

I have to go back and read some of the earlier books in the Discworld series. My approach to these books has been a little scattershot. I’ve been told Guards! Guards! is perfect for someone who loves police procedurals. And, I need to read more about Death. He’s always been one of my favorite characters in the series. (Did you know Death speaks in all capital letters?)

This book was just perfect to read this time of year as Hogwatchnight ends, and we move into another year, thanks to Death and Susan.

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. Harper, 1996. 9780062276285 (paperback), 402p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.