Book Review: Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

Wintersmith is always a pleasure to read. Tiffany has come a long way from who she was when she rescued her little brother and baron’s son from the Queen of Fairies. She is more sure of herself and of her talents, and a clear understanding of what witching is all about. But she still has growing up to do as becoming a witch you have to face your own mistakes. No one will be there to rescue you, as you are usually the one who does the rescuing. Okay, the older witches help her, but she has to do the actual work. Also, she is turning 13, leaving childhood behind and starting to notice boys and be noticed by boys. That is the problem, what if the boy who notices you is the personification of winter? While that might be a delightful idea on some level, winter can’t walk on earth forever, summer has to come up, especially when the sheep are in danger.

But the book is not all about romance, it is also about what matters in life. It shows this through the contrast between Annagramma and Tiffany and between Granny and Letice Earwig. It is about the difference between caring and appearing and doing the work and magic it away. Pratchett teaches a great lesson here. If you want something, if you value something, you usually have to put the effort and time to gain it. It being talent, relationship, and things, etc.  But that is not all Pratchett shows with the book, there is this thing called Boffo. Boffo comes down to “the power of expectations” as Pratchett explains it, meaning with stories and gimmickry you can create an idea/image and use it into your advance or, in this case, to the advancement of the village. You can create the expectations, or you can play to the existing ones. It is a wonderful concept to teach to young children. The power of perception holds great importance in our world. And you can use it for good or bad.

Wintersmith is an amazing book. As always with Terry Pratchett’s writing, it is multilayered. There is so much to follow for people of all ages. Also, I love how there are no wicked people in the story, just misguided ones, and even they can learn. I loved this book the first time around, and I love it still.

Thank you for reading and have a witchy day ❤