Mort by Terry Pratchett | Death, Apprenticeship, and a Whole Lot of Laughs

Terry Pratchett’s Mort, the fourth book in the Discworld series but the first in the ‘Death’ subseries, is often recommended as a great starting point for readers new to Discworld. After reading it, I can see why. The story is an unforgettable blend of humour, fantasy, and philosophy, brought to life by an incredible cast of characters and Pratchett’s unmistakable wit.

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It is known as the Discworld. It is a flat planet, supported on the backs of four elephants, who in turn stand on the back of the great turtle A’Tuin as it swims majestically through space. And it is quite possibly the funniest place in all of creation…

Death comes to us all. When he came to Mort, he offered him a job.

After being assured that being dead was not compulsory, Mort accepted. However, he soon found that romantic longings did not mix easily with the responsibilities of being Death’s apprentice.

One of the standout elements of Mort is its characters. Death, who is usually portrayed as a menacing and foreboding figure, takes on an unexpectedly charming role in this book. Pratchett manages to turn an iconic “scary” character into one who is humourous, oddly relatable, and even kind of likeable. This is no small feat, and it creates a version of Death that you can’t help but understand. Death’s attempts to understand the human experience – even indulging in the quirks of human behaviour like cooking and fishing – add layers to his character that are both funny and poignant.

Then we have Mort, the protagonist, who starts off as a young, clumsy, and naïve individual. Mort is thrust into his role as Death’s apprentice and grows tremendously throughout the story. His journey from a bumbling teenager to someone who starts to grasp the responsibilities of his position is both relatable and rewarding to watch. Mort’s relationship with Death’s daughter, Ysabell, is a wonderful subplot that adds both depth and light-heartedness to the narrative.

Ysabell herself is a delightful character – stubborn, curious, and more than a little headstrong. Her banter with Mort makes for some of the funniest and most touching moments in the book. Albert, Death’s ancient and cantankerous manservant, adds yet another layer of humour, mystery, and history to the story. And of course, let’s not forget Binky, Death’s loyal horse, who is an unsung hero in his own right.

The story of Mort is character-driven, and that’s what makes it so compelling. The plot revolves around Mort taking on the role of Death’s apprentice, a job he clearly isn’t prepared for. Naturally, Mort’s clumsiness leads to a monumental mistake: he spares the life of Princess Keli, who was supposed to die, thereby knocking the natural order – and reality itself – out of sync.

The narrative follows Mort as he attempts to fix his mistake, while also exploring his growing relationships with those around him: Ysabell, Albert, and even Death himself. It’s an entertaining journey filled with misunderstandings, magical escapades, and the question of what happens when someone tries to meddle with fate. The book is full of light-hearted adventure, but there’s always an underlying thread of seriousness that grounds the story.

This was my first Discworld book, and I found the world-building to be accessible and incredibly imaginative. Pratchett’s Discworld is an expansive universe, but Mort brings enough flavour and context to allow new readers to feel comfortable and invested without feeling overwhelmed.

Pratchett’s writing is, in a word, brilliant. His distinctive style shines in Mort, particularly in how he conveys Death’s character. The formatting changes when Death speaks – using small caps instead of quotation marks – give him a unique and “otherworldly” voice. It’s a clever and effective way to make Death stand out from the other characters, reminding readers of his true nature.

The humour in Mort is another highlight. Pratchett has a talent for balancing serious themes with perfectly timed jokes. He takes dark concepts, such as mortality and fate, and makes them digestible by adding wit and charm. His comedic timing is second to none, and while the book never shies away from addressing weighty topics, it also never takes itself too seriously.

At its core, Mort is a comedy – but it also has moments that are deeply philosophical. The story explores fate, destiny, and the idea of justice. The quote, “There is no justice. There is only me,” spoken by Death, captures this sentiment perfectly, adding an unexpected depth to the narrative. The juxtaposition of humour with these profound ideas makes Mort a genuinely thought-provoking read.

Pratchett presents the idea that Death, something universally feared, can have a sense of humour and even an understanding of what it means to be human. He gives us a lens through which to view life and mortality that is both insightful and entertaining. It’s this skillful mix of comedy and gravity that makes Mort such a special book.

While Mort comfortably fits into the fantasy genre, it also reads well for a younger YA audience. I can see why so many readers discovered Discworld in their teenage years. It has the whimsy, magic, and coming-of-age elements that appeal to young readers, but also the complexity and humour that make it equally enjoyable for adults.

Terry Pratchett’s Mort is a book that manages to be both hilarious and heartfelt, while also offering a unique perspective on life and death. It’s a brilliant introduction to the Discworld series, especially for those who are daunted by the sheer number of books in the collection. The characters are memorable, the humour is sharp, and the story is filled with moments that will make you laugh, think, and perhaps even tear up a little.

Positives of Mort

• Unique and humourous portrayal of Death as a character.
• Strong character development, especially Mort’s growth.
• Excellent balance between humour and deep philosophical themes.
• Accessible and engaging world-building, great for new Discworld readers.
• Clever formatting that gives Death a distinct voice.

Negatives of Mort

• Some readers may find the plot slightly predictable.
• The humour might not resonate with everyone, especially those not fond of dry or dark comedy.
• The character of Ysabell, while enjoyable, could have been developed further.

If you’re looking for a fantasy book that’s as full of heart as it is with wit, Mort is a wonderful place to start – or continue – your journey through Discworld. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a humorous, character-driven adventure that doesn’t shy away from the big questions.

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