Stephanie Forward introduces our Book Club choice for August 2006

And now for something completely different! We are a pretty eclectic bunch on the Forum, and are venturing into new territory with our Book of the Month for August: Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett. It was nominated by one of our contributors, akfarrar.

Apparently, Pratchett’s books have sold forty million copies worldwide, and have been translated into thirty-three languages! His Discworld is a highly amusing fantastical creation, and the satirical style has resulted in the author being compared to Lewis Carroll, Charles Dickens, Tom Sharpe, Jonathan Swift, JRR Tolkien, Evelyn Waugh and PG Wodehouse.

According to one of the internet sites about the book, Pratchett has suggested that it is best to read the previous two books in the Witches sub-series. These are Wyrd Sisters (a parody of Macbeth) and Witches Abroad; but as we have a stack of ‘future reads’ building up perhaps we should just press on regardless!

Lords and Ladies is a parody of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In the Kingdom of Lancre, plans are underway for the Royal Wedding between King Verence II and Magrat Garlick on Midsummer’s Eve. Eminent guests arrive - such as Giamo Casanundo, the world’s second greatest lover!

However there is the threat of invasion by an army of cruel, vicious Elves, and help is needed desperately. This calls for the efforts of the Witches: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick herself. There is also a sub-plot involving the Unseen University wizards, including Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully and Ponder Stibbons.

Relax – enjoy – then report back to the forum!