Review: The Wee Free Men

Title: The Wee Free Men
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 978- 0-06-001238-0

In the infamous, fun, and odd world of the Diskworld young Tiffany Aching is coming of age. She sees the world differently than most, some would say that she sees what is really there, and that makes her special.  She decides to be a witch. And shortly after receiving a warning from a visiting witch that trouble was coming, and that Tiffany should hide until it is all sorted, Tiffany’s brother is taken. Tiffany is bound and determined to get him back. Along the way she meets, befriends, and winds up leading the Wee Free Men – elfin creatures, six inches tall, who are ferocious fighters and thieves – and they assist her in her efforts to free her brother.

I will confess a bias for the works of Terry Pratchett that is certainly reflected here, but not overly so. The book is targeted for young adults, but nevertheless is fun for the older reader.  While Tiffany’s actions and thoughts don’t scream “child”, this is easily forgiven as from the start it is made clear that she is not normal in any sense. Her animosity for her younger sibling (sibling rivalry) and determination to protect what’s hers rings true. The Wee Free Men provide vital exposition and comic relief. – After all what do you expect from creatures, who after survive a tidal wave are only concerned with how many sharks they head butted or on whom they’ll pawn their fool’s gold? – The pace is suitably fast and the story clear and concise. In truth it was a pleasure to read. 

However, I feel that the story was made the more pleasurable from having first read the other novels about  Diskworld. This is not necessary as no references are made that are not explained. But an overall feel of the world contributes a certain something.