Wyrd Sisters: Starring Three Witches, Also Kings, Daggers, Crowns

by Terry Pratchett

Wyrd Sisters: Starring Three Witches, Also Kings, Daggers, Crowns

book data

3683 ratings, 3.92 average rating, 125 reviews (more data...)

edit

published

November 10th 1989 (first published 1980) by V. Gollancz

binding

Hardcover, 251 pages

isbn

0575043636 (isbn13: 9780575043633)

description

Terry's Pratchett's profoundly irrelevetn novels, are consistent number one bestsellers in England, where they have catapulted him into the highest...more

find at: Amazon | Half.com | Barnes & Noble | Abebooks | compare prices…

Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.

new topic
discuss this book

topics	replies	views	last activity
Constant Reader: What makes a book a "classic"?	47	109	4 days ago, 12:43PM

friend reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

lists with this book

This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists. Add this book to your favorite list »

other reviews (showing 1-20 of 4381)

All ratings | 5 stars (1023) | 4 stars (1374) | 3 stars (964) | 2 stars (146) | 1 star (14) | avg 3.92

all | this edition

Dusty

Dusty rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

04/13/08

bookshelves: read-in-2008

Read in April, 2008

Monty Python meets Macbeth? Wyrd Sisters was my first foray into Pratchett's pulpy, popular Discword series, and, although I liked it ... I didn't quite love it. It was certainly a clever book -- I appreciated the offhand Shakespeare references -- but it felt rough around the edges to me, like Pratchett sent his manuscript off for publishing one draft too soon. It needs revising. Some paragraphs I reread several times, and not because they were challenging but because they barely m...more

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

4 comments

Leslie

Leslie rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

04/22/08

Read in April, 2008

How have I never read Terry Pratchett before? He's like ... Shakespeare and Wodehouse and Monty Python all wrapped into one!

A student gave me this book while we were studying Macbeth in class. Wyrd Sisters is a sort of parallel story, which manages to poke fun at the play, revere the play, make inside jokes about the play, and ... well, generally turn the play on its head. All the while, you, the reader, get to feel very smart and superior for getting all the jokes and allusions.
...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

Holly

Holly rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

03/14/08

Read in January, 2005

My good friend Lacy got me addicted to Terry Pratchett. I love his Discworld series, but the books involving the witches are always my favorite. This introduction to them ( pretty early on in the series - fourth or fifth book, I think) is awesome beyond description. Nanny Ogg, Granny Weatherwax and lovely, semi-ditzy Magrat with her very clear, albeit silly ideas, of what a witch should look and act like, are fantastic.

This bizarre, hilarious rendering of Macbeth (you probably thought M...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

Jackie

Jackie rated it:

(review of isbn 0552134600)

12/15/07

bookshelves: series--discworld

I should give this less stars since a reread made me realise that the humour and language in this book isn't as fluid or effortless as it is in Pratchett's later publications, but it was the first discworld I read so the nostalgia value rounds it up half a star.

It's a better introduction to Granny Weatherwax than the book she previously appeared in, Equal Rites, as it introduces another alpha-witch, Nanny Ogg, who balances Granny's stiffness and pointedly direct, old-fashioned proclamations...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

Siria

Siria rated it:

(review of isbn 0552134600)

06/05/07

bookshelves: 20th-century, british-fiction, fantasy, humour

Read in July, 2005

Wyrd Sisters was the very first Discworld novel that I ever read, back at the tender age of eight. A friend of mine got it as a present from her father. Like his previous gift of the collected novels of Jane Austen, this wasn't received with much enthusiasm. She tossed it over to me on one of our monthly 'let's raid one another's bookcases' events. I was intrigued by the slightly cartoony, slightly grotesque style of Josh Kirby's cover art, and took it away with me.

I read the whole th...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

Linzay

Linzay rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

08/15/07

bookshelves: discworld

Read in January, 2005

The entire Discworld series is worth re-reading, not just because it contains so many books, but each book has so many little funnies that you may find a joke you never noticed before. These books grow with you. I enjoyed them when I was younger and less worldly, and now, every other paragraph I'm noticing great stuff I just missed before.
This one is great. Granny Weatherwax is my absolute favorite, because I can relate. She is a good witch, destined to be, and not too happy about that. I ofte...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

Rosemary

Rosemary rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

01/15/08

This wasn't my first Pratchett book -- that was Color of Magic -- but it is the book that sent me back to Pratchett and since drained my bank account. These days, I own everything written by Pratchett except Carpet People. And I'll probably add that some day. I picked up the cartoon version of Wyrd Sisters and ran it one night as I was wrapping Christmas packages. Halfway through listening to it and sticking myself to shiny paper, I started to chuckle and then to laugh out loud. Next day, I ...more

Like this review? yes (1 person liked it)

add a comment

Kim

Kim rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

09/30/08

Read in September, 2008

recommended to Kim by: Possibly my mother, not sure
recommends it for: Many people

Not my favourite Discworld, but pretty high up there all the same.
This follows the theme of many of Pratchett's earlier doscworlds, pastiching a well known idea or story, in this case 'Macbeth' and it has to be said, it is infinitely more readable than Macbeth is
This is the first time that we see the unofficial coven that isn't lead by Granny Weatherwax and we see the initial introduction into their personalities and traits, which become much more relaxed in the later books.
Nominally the b...more

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Jamie

Jamie rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

09/04/08

Read in August, 2008

So far the Diskworld books I've read have been lampoons of the high fantasy genre, and author Terry Pratchett keeps that up in this sixth book, Wyrd Sisters. He does, however, head into some new territory by blending in satire of Shakespeare in general and of Macbeth in specific. Indeed, he starts off with this right off the bat, which recreates the famous three witches scene and introduces the three main characters of book: the truculent but ultimately good hearted Granny Weatherw...more So far the Diskworld books I've read have been lampoons of the high fantasy genre, and author Terry Pratchett keeps that up in this sixth book, Wyrd Sisters. He does, however, head into some new territory by blending in satire of Shakespeare in general and of Macbeth in specific. Indeed, he starts off with this right off the bat, which recreates the famous three witches scene and introduces the three main characters of book: the truculent but ultimately good hearted Granny Weatherwax, the jovial Nanny Ogg, and the junior and slightly naive witch Magrat Garlick.

Wyrd Sisters is the most tightly plotted Diskworld book I've read yet, with the three witches getting involved in shenanigans loosely based on the plots of Macbeth with a shot of Hamlet thrown in. There's the ghost of a murdered king, a lost heir, the aforementioned witches, a villainous usurper, a traveling band of thespians, and some really angry forest animals. Like the rest of Pratchett's stuff, it zips along and entertains along the way.

I wasn't impressed with Granny Weatherwax as a character when she debuted in Equal Rites, but here Pratchett seems to get a better feel for her and she's much more entertaining in the context of working among her peers (Nanny Ogg and Magrat) and her hapless rivals (the usurping Duke). I liked watching the author work with the witches' idea of "headology," which roughly correlates to psychology and getting in the right state of mind to make things work. Using, by virtue of sheer stubbornness, an ordinary copper rod as a substitute for a magic sword in a demon-summoning ritual, for example, is a fun contrast to traditional witchcraft formulas, ceremonies, and occult flim-flam. Pratchett also has some fun contrasting the pastoral and humdrum kingdom of Lancre with the more exciting (and, as it so happens, deadly) places like the city of Ankh-Morpork. My favorite part of the book was when the three witches attended a play for the first time in their lives and were completely flabbergasted by all the strangely dressed actors prancing around and thinking they could fool them into believing that they were kings and ghosts and such.

So it's fun stuff, different enough from previous books but familiar enough in tone and overall setting to be comfortable. I'm still a fan and I'm warming to Granny Weatherwax as a recurring character....less

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Jenn

Jenn rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

04/24/08

bookshelves: fantasy, read-in-2008

Read in April, 2008

In Wyrd Sisters we're introduced to Granny Weatherwax. Granny and two other witches have formed a tiny coven, and though witches are largely anti-social these three get together once a month for a good spell session. There are certain rules to being a witch and one of the most important is that witches don't meddle in politics. Unless of course the king tries to torture you, slander your name and threatens you with burning at the stake. In that case, meddling and a bit of magic, are exactly what...more

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Mirna

Mirna rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

02/15/08

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Buku keenam dari seri Discworld. Penampilan perdana tiga penyihir wanita yang tinggal di Lancre, yang akan banyak disinggung dalam seri Discworld berikutnya. Terry Pratchett membuat satir tentang politik monarki dan emansipasi wanita.
Plotnya berputar di sekitar pergolakan di kerajaan Lancre yang rajanya dibunuh oleh keluarganya sendiri, Duke dan Duchess Felmet. Putra Raja Verence yang masih bayi diselamatkan dari pembantaian dengan cara dibawa ke ketiga penyihir wanita Lancre yang paling terke...more Buku keenam dari seri Discworld. Penampilan perdana tiga penyihir wanita yang tinggal di Lancre, yang akan banyak disinggung dalam seri Discworld berikutnya. Terry Pratchett membuat satir tentang politik monarki dan emansipasi wanita.
Plotnya berputar di sekitar pergolakan di kerajaan Lancre yang rajanya dibunuh oleh keluarganya sendiri, Duke dan Duchess Felmet. Putra Raja Verence yang masih bayi diselamatkan dari pembantaian dengan cara dibawa ke ketiga penyihir wanita Lancre yang paling terkenal.
Granny Esme Weatherwax bersikeras untuk tidak ikut campur dalam urusan politik kerajaan, tapi berkat bujukan Magrat dan Nanny Gytha Ogg, bayi itu akhirnya diselamatkan dengan dititipkan pada kelompok sandiwara keliling yang kebetulan lewat. Bayi itu diberi nama Tom dan /John.
Sementara itu kerajaan Lancre teryata tidak mengakui raja baru mereka, yang mengalami nervous breakdown dan rasa bersalah sehingga seringkali terjaga tengah malam untuk “membersihkan” tangan kanannya yang digunakan untuk menusuk Verence dengan belatinya sendiri.

Lancre (the kingdom, not the people but the whole nature inwhich the political system and the people resides) mendesak Granny untuk mengambil tindakan, bersamaan dengan hantu Raja memaksa Nanny untuk memaksa Granny mengembalikan tahta pada yang berhak. Granny akhirnya setuju dan memajukan waktu hingga 16 tahun di Lancre dalam semalam, lalu memantrai si Tomjon muda agar kembali ke Lancre dan mengambil tahta. Sementara Felmet berkeputusan untuk menulis ulang sejarah kerajaan untuk menjustifikasi kepemerintahannya dan menyuruh the Fool, jester kerajaan yang kebetulan sedang menjalin asmara dengan Magrat, untuk mencari kelompok sandiwara keliling. Tomjon pun sukses kembali ke Lancre berkat konspirasi alam dan ketiga penyihir kita yang budiman.
Pada akhirnya kejahatan Felmet terbongkar, tahta Lancre diambil oleh...the Fool yang ternyata saudara satu ayah Tomjon... masalahnya, ayah kedua pemuda itu bukan almarhum Raja Verence sama sekali. Namun the Wyrd Sisters berpendapat ini adalah yang terbaik karena Lancre menyetujui monarki baru ini.

Banyak pemikiran filosofis yang dituliskan Terry Pratchett dalam buku ini. Meskipun jalan ceritanya unik dan masih membuat tersenyum, Wyrd Sister sejauh ini adalah kisah yang paling serius dalam seri DiscWorld. Kemungkinan karena membahas politik kerajaan dengan membuat parodi Hamlet
...less

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Ann

Ann rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

08/27/08

Read in January, 1990

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Kiwiria

Kiwiria rated it:

(review of isbn 0552134600)

07/31/07

bookshelves: 4-stars, audiobook, fantasy, owned

Read in July, 2007

Definitely my favourite Terry Prachett book, even if it was weirdly sad to read it. 4 years ago, you see, I took part in a performance of Stephen Brigg's play adaption of this book, and played Granny Weatherwax. Without a doubt the best role I have ever had in my life, and the highlight of my acting 'career' - a career that's completely over now that the uni theater society has disbanded. I loved acting and miss it a lot - even if I no longer have the time for it ;) Reading this book reminded me...more

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Heather

Heather rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

11/25/08

The witches are my favorite part of Discworld, and this is another perfect example of all of the hilarious and quirky situations they get themselves in to.

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Katia

Katia rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

10/14/08

bookshelves: currently-reading

On Nanny Ogg's cat, Greebo: "Greebo was one of her few blind spots. While intellectually she would concede that he was indeed a fat, cunning, evil smelling, multiple rapist, she nevertheless instinctively pictured him as the small fluffy kitten he had been decades before. The fact that he had once chased a female wolf up a tree and seriously surprised a she-bear who had been innocently digging for roots didn't stop her worrying that something bad might have happened to him. It was genera...more

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Anneliese

Anneliese rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

09/07/07

bookshelves: mybookshelf

I love Terry Pratchet. He is the best children's author of satire, taking something well-known (in this case Macbeth) twisting it and making it into something quite new, hilarious and in some ways an easier way for young people to enjoy some serious material. In this book he mocks stereotypes such as witches, kings and fools, which is something he does successfully in all of his discworld novels.

I recommend this book to everyone over the age of 10, as younger children (like my brother, hem h...more

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Danielle

Danielle rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

11/19/08

So funny! A crazy take on MacBeth. I love the witches from Discworld!

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Madonna

Madonna rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

11/01/08

Probably one of my favorite Pratchett characters is Esme Weatherwax. She is a no-nonsense witch that commands respect, often without saying much at all. This book reflects Macbeth and Shakespeare's weird sisters. Nanny Ogg is another witch who has been friends with Esme since they were young. They are opposites and make for a classic comedy team. Nanny is baudy and loud and often embarrasses Esme, which Nanny generally delights in doing. The third "sister" is a younger witch, named Mag...more

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Lizzi

Lizzi rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

03/29/08

Read in March, 2008

Perhaps it's because I've only yet read two Pratchett books, but I find him confusing at times. And if I didn't already know what happens I would have been put out that he didn't finish the story of Magrat and the Fool, but perhaps he does more with it in the next novel? If he does I'd give it four stars, but the book on its own three.
Otherwise I highly enjoyed it! I *love* this style of humor and he handles it skillfully. Hitchhiker's Guide is still the best for sheer hilarity, but I'm begin...more

Like this review? yes

3 comments

Johanna

Johanna rated it:

(review of isbn 0061020664)

07/03/08

bookshelves: fantasy

Read in June, 2008

recommended to Johanna by: sister
recommends it for: fantasy lovers

My sister in-law is a HUGE fan of this author.
So after buying her some of the Disc novels for her birthday I decided to get a few from the library and read them myself.
I thought it odd, since I love fantasy books so much, that I had never managed to read one of Terry's books before.
But to be honest I found this book rather dull.
Quiet traditional with some good wit and sarcasm but still rather boring.
So I think I'll read the few others I borrowed but not both with any more after that.

Like this review? yes

add a comment

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 219 220 next »

recent status updates | recommend it | blog it

combine
other editions (24)

More editions...

groups with this book