Review of Mort: A Discworld Novel by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett's Mort is the fourth book in his iconic Discworld series, and it marks a pivotal shift in both the narrative and thematic tone of the series. Moving away from the lighthearted parody of traditional fantasy tropes found in the earlier books, Mort introduces more nuanced themes, witty humor, and memorable characters, establishing the foundation for many subsequent Discworld novels. Mort is a story of coming of age, death, responsibility, and the peculiarities of fate, wrapped in Pratchett’s signature satirical style.

Plot Overview

Mort follows the life of a young man named Mort, who is searching for direction in a world that, quite frankly, is as disorganized as the realms he inhabits. The story begins with Mort, a clumsy but earnest teenager, being apprenticed to Death—yes, the Death—after failing to impress other potential employers. The choice of such an unassuming protagonist highlights one of the central themes of the novel: the mundane lives that intersect with the grand, the ordinary that inadvertently stumbles into the extraordinary.

As Mort starts his apprenticeship under Death, he finds himself in the strange and unnerving world of death's business. However, when Mort is sent to collect the soul of a princess, he inadvertently alters the course of her fate by saving her life. This act sets off a chain of events that not only threatens the very fabric of time and space but also pushes Mort into a moral dilemma where he must question what it truly means to be responsible for life and death.

The novel's central conflict emerges from Mort's accidental interference with the natural order, causing ripples throughout the Discworld that lead to a collision between his growing understanding of duty and the irrepressible chaos of existence. As Mort grapples with the implications of his actions, Death, who has taken on a more human persona in this book, is forced to confront his own growing feelings of inadequacy and identity crisis. What follows is a comedic yet poignant exploration of how small decisions can unravel larger forces at play in the universe.

Character Development

The heart of Mort lies in the character development of Mort himself. At the beginning of the book, Mort is a typical awkward and unsure teenager, lacking direction and struggling with the larger questions of life. Through his time under Death's tutelage, Mort begins to evolve, though not without challenges. His initial naiveté, paired with his good-natured attempts to do well, often leads to chaotic results, but it is through these mistakes that he begins to understand the responsibility he holds.

Death, a recurring character in the Discworld series, is portrayed in a much more personal and vulnerable light in Mort. Death, who is usually an enigmatic figure of inevitability, is now shown as a being capable of feeling loneliness and uncertainty. This exploration of Death's character brings an added layer of depth to the novel, as he starts questioning his own existence and role in the universe. Pratchett’s approach to personifying Death as a character with relatable, human-like traits adds to the satirical nature of the story and highlights the themes of mortality, destiny, and free will.

Another key figure is the princess, Keli, whose life Mort inadvertently saves. Her character serves as a foil to Mort’s own journey, illustrating the delicate balance between fate and choice. Mort’s unintentional change of her destiny serves as the narrative’s central event and represents the novel’s deeper meditation on the consequences of human intervention in the grander scheme of the universe.

Themes and Humor

Mort delves into several complex themes, most notably the nature of death, fate, and free will. These are explored with Pratchett’s characteristic wit and humor. The novel touches on the importance of responsibility, not only in the literal sense but also in the philosophical sense—how one person’s choices can ripple through time and space, altering the course of the future.

Pratchett also brings attention to the paradoxes of existence, such as the inevitable nature of death and the unpredictability of life. This philosophical exploration is underscored by the whimsical and absurd events that unfold, from Mort’s bungling attempts to do his job to Death’s existential musings on his own identity. The humor is sharp, often dry, and frequently a bit dark, with a running commentary on life’s absurdities that resonates with readers of all ages.

One of the most delightful aspects of Pratchett's writing is how he balances deep, philosophical concepts with his distinctive comedic tone. The novel never takes itself too seriously, even while addressing life-and-death topics. Pratchett’s mastery of wordplay and absurd situations makes Mort both an intellectually stimulating and hilariously entertaining read.

World-Building and Setting

As with all Discworld novels, Pratchett’s world-building is exceptional. The Discworld itself is a flat, disc-shaped planet supported by four giant elephants, which stand on the back of Great A’Tuin, a massive turtle slowly traversing the universe. The world is populated with a rich variety of characters, from wizards and witches to talking animals, and it operates on a combination of logic and illogic that mirrors the bizarre nature of reality itself.

In Mort, the world of Death’s domain is introduced in more detail, with the concept of the afterlife and the mechanics of death being explored. Death's realm is a surreal and imaginative space, portrayed with a mix of absurdity and elegance. The juxtaposition of the mundane world with these fantastical realms heightens the comic elements of the story and reinforces the thematic concerns about the intersection of the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of Mort is quick and engaging. The novel blends action with introspection, moving between comedic moments and more serious philosophical musings. Pratchett carefully balances Mort’s personal journey with the wider consequences of his actions, ensuring that the plot never feels too heavy or overly whimsical.

The narrative structure, with its alternating focus on Mort’s internal growth and the external chaos his mistakes cause, keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The resolution, while humorous, is also deeply satisfying, tying together the various threads of Mort’s personal development, his understanding of responsibility, and his relationship with Death.

Conclusion

Mort is one of the finest entries in the Discworld series and an excellent introduction to Terry Pratchett’s unique brand of humor and philosophical insight. The novel offers a fascinating blend of existential questions, satirical wit, and endearing characters, all set against the backdrop of an imaginative and richly detailed world. It is a book that explores the nature of fate, mortality, and the consequences of one’s actions, all while keeping the reader entertained with its clever wordplay and absurd situations.

For fans of Pratchett’s work, Mort is a must-read, and for newcomers to the Discworld series, it serves as an excellent starting point. The novel stands as a testament to Pratchett’s talent for blending humor with serious themes, making it a timeless classic in the fantasy genre.