A review by ritabriar
Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The characters often repeat the idea that a woman cannot be a wizard, for reasons. Unfortunately for this idea, Esk is definitely a wizard. She has a staff and everything! Various people examine or at least change this idea throughout the book in various ways. 

The plot is a basic Hero's Quest, because women can have Hero's Quests, too. There are a few points where the reactions of the characters serve the plot more than the characters, but for the most part people behave plausibly. 

The setting is the star of the book, from the tiny isolated town of Bad Ass to the journey to the towns and the final destinations,
the Unseen University and the other place
. It's all varied and detailed enough to allow a clear interpretation. The structure Discworld overall is made clear, first through short exposition for context, then through the characters' interactions with the world. 

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