Carpe Jugulum / Terry Pratchett

Carpe Jugulum

category: fantasy, author:

Terry Pratchett

book 23 of Discworld
original copyright 1998,
read in May 2011 (and before, a couple of years ago)

Agamedes' opinion: 8 out of 10

Witches versus vampires... It's either another Discworld story... or the missing volume of the Twilight series...

Okay, it's Discworld number 23. And if it's Discworld, why is it not fantasy and humour? Because this book is far too serious to be classified as "humour".

On the surface this book is about a vampire invasion which is fought back by the usual mixed batch of weird Discworld characters. There are humorous characters, humorous situations and humorous puns. (If a pun is allowed to be classed as "humorous".)

The actual theme of Carpe Jugulum is, basic morality...

The oldest witch is a crone, a hag, a controller of people's minds. She practices euthanasia, when necessary. The witch herself decides when euthanasia is necessary, with no consultation with the other people involved. Is this immoral?

The witch takes all the pain of the decision onto herself. She saves the survivors from guilt and from the pain of making the life-or-death decision. The witch takes the pain and guilt -- with no other option provided.

Is this moral?

According to Pratchett (at least, as far as this novel states the situation) the witch is acting within a strict and correct code of morality. This absolute -- and good -- ethical standard helps the witches to defeat the vampire invasion. After a difficult test of the witch's moral integrity.

Then there is the religious analysis.

The priest of Om struggles with the conflicts within his religion. Finally, he realises that he can be a moral and spiritual person even if he notices the conflicts within his religious doctrines.

In Carpe Jugulum Pratchett has moved past social satire to social commentary. (Or do I mean, social philosophy?) There are deep and serious questions presented in the usual Discworld confusion.

Yes, the book is funny. But it is a lot more... but the "more" can be ignored, if you just want a light read.

The themes of the book are a little too heavy to allow Carpe Jugulum to be classed as "humour", though it is funny. All presented in a very entertaining fashion.

Better yet, Pratchett has done well with his characters...

There are the Discworld standard "wet" characters -- drips who seem destined to be the butt of every joke. Yet they are all decent people who mean well and try hard. There is no character who will make you cringe.

All the strengths of Discworld. Action, adventure and humour. Good plot and deep discussion of good and evil... Plus a lot of likable characters.

This is a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. Very much.

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01sep23:

Read it again. As I read I thought, this is a bit serious. what should I add to the review?

As I read the review I thought... no, it's okay, I've covered it all. A serious book coated in humour. With characters who may seem pathetic yet who are, ultimately, treated kindly. By the author, that is. 

An enjoyable re-reading.

..o0o..

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