Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1)

Title: Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Published in: 1987

Date read: 19th December 2006

Score: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Mort" by Terry Pratchett is the fourth novel in the Discworld series, published in 1987, and the first to feature Death as a central character, exploring the nature of life, death, and what it means to be human. It's often considered one of the books where Pratchett truly found his stride with the series' unique blend of humour, philosophy, and satire.

The story introduces Mortimer "Mort" Deloriane, a gangly, awkward, and terribly unlucky young man from a small village. He's destined for a dull life, but his father takes him to a Hiring Fair, hoping to find him an apprenticeship. As midnight strikes and the fair is about to close, a figure on a pale horse appears, silently offering Mort a job. This figure is, of course, Death himself.

Mort, bewildered but intrigued, accepts the position as Death's apprentice. He is taken to Death's surprisingly mundane yet strangely grand abode, a realm existing outside of normal space and time, filled with curiosities like the Library of all books ever written (or thought of). Here, he meets Albert, Death's ancient, curmudgeonly butler (who turns out to be a very famous historical figure in hiding).

Death, a skeletal figure who speaks in ALL CAPS, is weary of the constant grind of reaping souls and decides he needs a holiday. He leaves Mort in charge, instructing him on the proper procedures for collecting souls: appear at the appointed time, announce the death, and usher the soul into the afterlife. The key rule: never interfere with the course of life.

Mort, being young and empathetic, finds this rule incredibly difficult to follow. He struggles with the cold detachment required for the job. His first major test comes when he is tasked with collecting the soul of Princess Keli, a young, beautiful royal from the kingdom of Sto Lat. However, at the moment of her supposed death (an assassination attempt), Mort, driven by compassion, diverts the assassin's blow, saving her life.

This act of interference has profound consequences. Because Mort prevented her predestined death, Princess Keli now exists in a paradoxical state. To everyone else, she is dead; they cannot see or hear her, and events unfold as if she truly perished. However, to Mort (and those connected to the realm of Death), she is still alive. This creates increasing instability in reality, as time and causality struggle to adjust to her impossible existence.

As Mort continues his duties, his human emotions and inability to remain detached cause further ripples. He becomes fascinated by Princess Keli's plight and finds himself increasingly drawn to her. He also tries to protect other innocents from their designated fates.

Death, meanwhile, is attempting to understand humanity by experiencing life, visiting taverns, getting drunk, and even trying to learn how to dance. His attempts are often hilariously awkward.

The narrative also introduces Ysabell, Death's adopted daughter (whom he collected as a child after her parents were lost in the desert). Ysabell is initially grumpy and cynical, but she eventually develops a relationship with Mort, and her quiet competence proves invaluable.

The climax occurs as reality itself begins to unravel due to Mort's meddling. Princess Keli's existence becomes increasingly tenuous, and the fabric of time threatens to tear apart. Death returns from his holiday, furious at Mort's interference, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Mort must then fight for his existence, for Keli's life, and for the very structure of reality itself, facing off against Death in a duel where the stakes are literally life and death, and the nature of the universe is up for grabs.

"Mort" is a beloved Discworld novel that blends profound philosophical questions about mortality and purpose with Adams-esque humour and Pratchett's unique satirical wit. It establishes Death as one of the most compelling and popular characters in the series, showcasing his surprisingly nuanced personality and his eternal, fundamental role in the Discworld.

Comments:
This is very often the book that people think of when asked about the Discworld. It is phenomenal and a must for 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)