This week is the first part in a readalong of Terry Pratchett’s Wee Free Men being hosted jointly by Dab of Darkness and Little Red Reviewer.

The Wee Free Men is my first foray into Disc World and I’m really enjoying it.  The story takes off almost immediately with a swift introduction to Tiffany, Miss Tick (who I can’t help thinking of the woman out of a crazy film called Troll) – plus she had a talking toadstool!  Come on – stick a pointy hat on her bonce and it’s spot on!

and of course the Wee Free Men who I keep picturing like these little guys from Willow (except I think they’re brownies):

Also with Red hair and blue skin of course!

Anyway, without further ado, lets move on to this week’s questions.

But first, if you haven’t already read the Wee Free Men then

“Gang awa’ oot o’ here, ye daft wee hinny” because spoilers will no doubt be contained within!!

1. Since I am a nosy person, I want to know if this is your first Terry Pratchett book? Do you enjoy the humor and writing style so far?

This isn’t my first book by Terry Pratchett but it is my first Discworld.  I have wanted to read some of these for a long while but there are simply so many books that it’s almost a bit daunting.  I’ve read Nation which is a YA book and which I enjoyed.  Some good humour for sure.  I’ve also read Good Omens which given how much I love Neil Gaiman, and how much I’m enjoying this book so far, you would think I would have loved it but somehow I didn’t.  I can’t put my finger on why and I wonder if I should reread it as some point.  Anyway, yes, I am enjoying the humour so far.

2) We’ve been introduced to Tiffany Aching’s world of shepherding and cheese making and her family. What about this quaint setting has caught your eye?

So far I have no problem with envisaging the setting, it seems like an old fashioned farming family where everyone works hard.  On top of that the people are deeply superstitious and read much into things. What has caught my eye I suppose is the way that Tiffany is very independent.  She doesn’t seem to need a lot of guidance.  She’s a very self controlled individual who doesn’t panic and I think that because she’s at that age where she can still believe in anything and still feel that special things can happen, not to mention coming from a background where people automatically believe the weird and wonderful over the mundane, anything is possible.  I suppose that the quaint setting is a bit deceptive as it leads you to believe things will be quiet which they certainly aren’t.

3) Ah, the Nac Mac Feegles! Can you understand their speech? Who or what do you think the kelda is? 

I can’t say I really know what the Kelda is – I think whatever she is she’s not somehow as bad as the Queen because she obviously tried to help the Wee Free Men to find someone who could assist in their hour of need.  Now, who, would help these guys?  Maybe a good fairy – actually, is there any such thing. Or possibly, as they’re sort of a rogue clan – I guess this means they’re not attached to one of the fae courts – perhaps the Kelda is their own type of fae royalty.  Then again maybe not.  A white witch?  Or some sort of protector of the realms.   Maybe it’s some sort of elemental or something as simple as Mother Earth.  Clearly I don’t have a clue and I really wish I did.  Perhaps if I make enough guesses I’ll eventually hit lucky!  I can understand the little guys and they make me laugh – I’m sure these same guys have appeared in one of the Dresden Files!

4) Do you see a future for Tiffany at a witches’ school? Or do you think Ms. Tick will take on a mentor’s role? 

I don’t know what to think yet – Tiffany seems like she’s going to be one of those witches who is going to develop a reputation and clearly have some talent.  She’s not scared of sticking up for herself either.  I think it would be good if she did go to school – perhaps she needs the structure but I wouldn’t necessarily say that would take Ms Tick out of the picture.  I think these two will have more going on in the future for sure and if Tiffany does go to school I can’t see it being the sort of affair from Harry Potter.  It would be quite refreshing if she continues to learn things as she goes along.

5) Wentworth has gone missing and there is a Queen involved. What do think she wants with him? If this is a reread, then how do you like having one magical world (the Queen’s) nestled within the Discworld universe (Tiffany’s world)?

Well, if she’s a queen of a seelie court then it’s not unheard of for them to take a human child.  Usually as some sort of play thing.  That being said, maybe there’s a bigger plot.  Perhaps this is all a ruse to get Tiffany into the other world.  I don’t know why at this stage.  It could be that she has more power than she or any of the others are aware?  It’s a bit like Harry Potter – maybe Tiffany is going to be the queen’s nemesis just like he was with Voldermort.  It could also be that Wentworth was taken by mistake and maybe Tiffany was the intended target.

Please feel free to add anything else that stood out for you, made you chuckle, quirk an eyebrow, etc. 

The sense of humour is great – for example, the wee men making off with the sheep – very funny, especially when Tiffany called out that there’d be a reckoning so they brought it back.  I just like the dialogue.  it’s quick, it’s witty and its embraced by this lovely story that feels like a fairy tale.  I also like all the little tales about Granny Aching – she sounds like a real character.