The Shepherd’s Crown by Terry Pratchett review – the much-loved author’s last Discworld novel

With his final Discworld tale, the late author continues his move away from pure fantasy and into moral and social exploration

Terry Pratchett’s final novel has an unexpected dedication to one of his own characters: “For Esmerelda Weatherwax – mind how you go.” Granny Weatherwax, who became more and more complex in the long series of Discworld novels in which she appears, was one of Pratchett’s most-loved creations. She is sharp and harsh as well as strong and wise, fearsome as well as resourceful. The beginning of The Shepherd’s Crown is an account of her death, which, being a witch, she is able to foresee accurately and to prepare for. Death, when he comes to fetch her, speaks his admiration. Her fellow witches bury her in a wicker cradle in a forest clearing, and the wizard Ridcully arrives weeping on a broomstick. Everything is changed. And the world of witches rearranges itself, with Tiffany Aching at its centre.

I’ve been thinking of that phrase “Mind how you go”, and the difference between Terry Pratchett’s death and the end of Granny Weatherwax. She will indeed go on. But we have lost him. Like her, he made the world a better and livelier and more complicated place. We shall miss him. Very much.

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