Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett's approach to the Discworld novels tends to be to look at either a society, event, or an aspect of humanity, and he examines it, turns it on its ear, and presents his own take on it, causing the reader to re-think his or her opinion and perspective on whatever topic Pratchett has decided to dissect.

In Hogfather, he examines the nature of human belief, and the evolution of our Christmas: from the most primitive mid-winter rituals of blood and sacrifice, carried out to bring about spring, right up to a fat man in a red suit delivering presents to children all over the world.

On the belief side, he has Teatime and his attempt at killing the Hogfather, how does try it? By controlling people's belief in him by stealing their baby teeth from the Tooth Fairy. Odd, to say the least, but interesting no less.

In terms of the history of the Hogfather, it is a series of little informational paragraphs, interspersed throughout the novel, in between the humourous scenes (Death pretending to be a Mall Santa was brilliant) and plot progression.

The novel reads quite quickly, with plenty of jokes and puns and humour to entertain the reader and get some good laughs. Pratchett's witty satirical humour blends well with the plot and the examination mentioned above.

I found myself drawn in to his exploration into the Hogfather myth and the history of Hogswatch night. Mostly, because of the nature of Christmas, and how complacent most people are in the blatant inconsistencies of the holiday and all the rituals and imagery that is attached to Christmas (i.e. what does Santa Claus and elves and flying reindeer have to do with the birth of Jesus?).

This, the 20th Discworld book, is an obvious spoof of our Christmas, although there is of course more to the story then that. Although I enjoyed the book, and found Susan [apparently the daughter of Mort and Ysabell, although they never make an appearance] and Death particularly entertaining characters, I found much of the plot-- especially to do with the Assassins-- very confusing. Some parts of the book were brilliantly enjoyable, but others were rather boring, not to mention confusing. Although I would not have recommended this book for anyone who wanted to get started reading Pratchett, my friend read this as her first Discworld novel, and apparently understood every word, which just goes to show... something.

Hogfather, book 20 of the discworld series, is one of the best discworld books written.  It keeps you looking for refenences to todays christmas, and shows a softer, rounder, more colorful side to Death. A must read for any self-respecting fantasy reader.