Maskerade (Discworld, #18; Witches, #5)

Title: Maskerade (Discworld, #18; Witches, #5)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Published in: 1995

Date read: 17th June 2008

Score: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Maskerade" by Terry Pratchett is the 18th novel in his Discworld series, and the fifth featuring the Lancre witches. Published in 1995, it's a clever and loving parody of Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera, transposed onto the Discworld's largest and most chaotic opera house in Ankh-Morpork.

The story opens with the departure of Magrat Garlick, who, having recently married King Verence II, is now Queen of Lancre. This leaves a vacancy in the witches' coven, specifically the "third witch" position – the "maiden" role. While Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax discuss potential replacements, their attention is drawn to the booming voice of Agnes Nitt, a young woman from Lancre who possesses an extraordinary singing talent.

However, Agnes's talent comes with a challenge: she has two distinct inner voices. One is her powerful, operatic soprano, but the other is a cynical, realistic, and sarcastic inner monologue she calls "Perdita X. Dream." This internal conflict reflects her own insecurity about her body image (she's a rather large girl) and her lack of conventional glamour.

Agnes, yearning for fame and fortune beyond the confines of Lancre, sets off for Ankh-Morpork to pursue a career in opera. She quickly finds work at the Ankh-Morpork Opera House, but not as a leading lady. Instead, she becomes a member of the chorus, largely unnoticed, while her stunning voice is often used as a secret, uncredited "voice double" for the beautiful but less talented prima donna, Christine (or rather, Christine, who has several other names including Sarah and Emily, to avoid the real Christine).

Meanwhile, the Ankh-Morpork Opera House is plagued by a mysterious "ghost," who sends threatening notes, demands a private box, and causes strange accidents and even deaths. The new manager, Mr. Salzella, and his financial backer, Mr. Chopdry, are deeply worried.

When Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg hear about Agnes's situation and the general shenanigans at the opera house (and perhaps smelling a rat, or just a good adventure), they decide to travel to Ankh-Morpork to investigate. They quickly determine that this "ghost" is not a true spectre but a flesh-and-blood individual.

The investigation leads them into the labyrinthine depths of the opera house, exploring its hidden passages, its peculiar cast of characters, and its even more peculiar internal logic. They encounter the various stereotypes of opera: the over-the-top divas, the neurotic tenors, the flamboyant conductors, and the hardworking but underappreciated chorus.

The "ghost" is eventually revealed to be Mr. Podges, a former stagehand and a brilliant, self-taught composer who was tragically disfigured in an accident involving stage machinery. He lives in the forgotten parts of the opera house, convinced that he is creating the world's greatest opera, and he wants Agnes (whose voice he recognizes as truly exceptional) to be his muse and star, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. He is a tormented genius, believing he is guiding the opera to greatness, while simultaneously committing acts of violence.

The climax involves a dramatic performance where Agnes (as "Christine's" voice) is set to sing Podges's magnum opus. The witches and other characters converge, leading to a confrontation with the "ghost" amidst the chaos of a live opera. Granny Weatherwax, with her unique understanding of human (and non-human) nature, must navigate the delicate balance between justice, tragedy, and the powerful illusions of the stage.

"Maskerade" is a hilarious and insightful commentary on the world of opera, the nature of genius and madness, beauty and talent, and the perennial battle between appearances and reality. It's also a testament to the idea that true magic often lies in understanding people rather than casting spells.

Comments:
I have struggled to remember much about this book at all.

Books that we've read by Terry Pratchett (39):
The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1; Rincewind, #1) (1983), The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2) (1986), Equal Rites (Discworld, #3; Witches, #1) (1987), Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1) (1987), Sourcery (Discworld, #5; Rincewind, #3) (1988), Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches, #2) (1988), Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8; City Watch, #1) (1989), Pyramids (Discworld, #7) (1989), Eric (Discworld, #9; Rincewind, #4) (1990), Moving Pictures (Discworld, #10; Industrial Revolution, #1) (1990), Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12; Witches, #3) (1991), Reaper Man (Discworld, #11; Death, #2) (1991), Small Gods (Discworld, #13) (1992), Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches, #4) (1992), Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch, #2) (1993), Soul Music (Discworld, #16; Death, #3) (1994), Interesting Times (Discworld, #17; Rincewind, #5) (1994), Maskerade (Discworld, #18; Witches, #5) (1995), Feet of Clay (Discworld, #19; City Watch, #3) (1996), Hogfather (Discworld, #20; Death, #4) (1996), Jingo (Discworld, #21; City Watch, #4) (1997), Carpe Jugulum (Discworld, #23; Witches, #6) (1998), The Last Continent (Discworld, #22; Rincewind, #6) (1998), The Fifth Elephant (Discworld, #24; City Watch, #5) (1999), The Truth (Discworld, #25) (2000), The Last Hero (Discworld, #27; Rincewind, #7) (2001), Thief of Time (Discworld, #26; Death, #5) (2001), Night Watch (Discworld, #29; City Watch, #6) (2002), The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1) (2003), Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3) (2003), A Hat Full of Sky (Discworld, #32; Tiffany Aching, #2) (2004), Going Postal (Discworld, #33; Moist von Lipwig, #1) (2004), Thud! (Discworld, #34; City Watch, #7) (2005), Wintersmith (Discworld, #35; Tiffany Aching, #3) (2006), Making Money (Discworld, #36; Moist Von Lipwig, #2) (2007), Unseen Academicals (Discworld, #37; Rincewind, #8) (2009), I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld, #38; Tiffany Aching, #4) (2010), Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch, #8) (2011), Raising Steam (Discworld, #40; Moist von Lipwig, #3) (2013)