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Shall Wear Midnight Discworld 38: An In-Depth Exploration of the Final Discworld Novel

Russell Mitchell

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Published in I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld 38)

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Terry Pratchett's Discworld series is a beloved and enduring work of fantasy literature. With its unique blend of humor, satire, and heart, the series has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. The 38th and final novel in the series, Shall Wear Midnight, was published posthumously in 2015, just months after Pratchett's death.

The Plot

Set in the vibrant city of Ankh-Morpork, Shall Wear Midnight follows the story of Death as he grapples with the existential threat posed by the Auditors. These mysterious figures are intent on erasing all memories of Death and his realm, threatening the very fabric of existence.

I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld Book 38)

by Terry Pratchett

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1630 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	372 pages

As Death seeks allies to help him fight the Auditors, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including his granddaughter Susan Sto Helit, the enigmatic Lady Margolotta, and the troubled wizard Ponder Stibbons. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to save Death and preserve the balance of the universe.

Themes and Motifs

Mortality and Time: As with many of Pratchett's novels, Shall Wear Midnight explores the themes of mortality and time. Death is confronted with his own mortality and the realization that even he is not immortal. The novel also examines the nature of time and how it shapes our lives.

The Power of Belief: Throughout the series, Pratchett has emphasized the importance of belief. In Shall Wear Midnight, this theme is explored through the character of Susan. As a descendant of Death, Susan has the ability to believe anything into existence. This power is both a gift and a curse, as it forces her to confront the consequences of her beliefs.

The Absurdity of Existence: Pratchett's novels are renowned for their satirical wit and humor. Shall Wear Midnight is no exception, as it pokes fun at the absurdities of life and death. From the Auditors' obsession with bureaucracy to Death's own existential crisis, the novel is filled with moments of laugh-out-loud comedy.

Characters

Death: As the protagonist of Shall Wear Midnight, Death is a complex and multifaceted character. He is both the embodiment of death and a compassionate guardian of life. In this novel, he faces his own mortality and learns to appreciate the beauty and fragility of existence.

Susan Sto Helit: Death's granddaughter, Susan is a powerful sorceress who is coming to terms with her own abilities. She is a strong and independent character who is not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Lady Margolotta: A mysterious and enigmatic character, Lady Margolotta is the leader of the Auditors. She is a formidable opponent who poses a significant threat to Death and his realm.

Ponder Stibbons: A troubled wizard, Ponder is obsessed with knowledge and order. He is a valuable ally to Death, providing him with insight and technological support.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Shall Wear Midnight received widespread critical acclaim. Many reviewers praised Pratchett's wit, satire, and poignant exploration of mortality. The novel was also lauded for its strong female characters and its thoughtful examination of the nature of belief.

Legacy

As the final novel in the Discworld series, Shall Wear Midnight holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It is a fitting to Pratchett's magnum opus, exploring the same themes and characters that have made the series so beloved. The novel serves as a reminder of Pratchett's brilliance as a storyteller and his enduring impact on the fantasy genre.

Whether you are a longtime Discworld fan or a newcomer to the series, Shall Wear Midnight is a must-read. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld Book 38)

by Terry Pratchett

4.8 out of 5