Soul Music
In "Soul Music", Terry Pratchett brings the rebellious energy of rock and roll to the Discworld with a magical twist. The story follows Imp y Celyn, a young musician from Llamedos who comes to Ankh-Morpork with dreams of stardom and ends up possessed by a mysterious guitar with a mind—and rhythm—of its own. As “Music With Rocks In” spreads across the city, causing cultural upheaval and widespread obsession, Death takes a leave of absence to grieve a personal loss, leaving his granddaughter Susan to reluctantly fill in. As the music grows more powerful and dangerously uncontrollable, Susan must navigate her strange inheritance and confront a force that refuses to die quietly.
"Soul Music" is both a hilarious and poignant novel that cleverly satirizes the rise of rock music while exploring deeper themes of identity, grief, and legacy. Pratchett masterfully blends parody and pop culture references with emotional storytelling, particularly through Susan, whose logical mind and half-human, half-supernatural nature make her a compelling and relatable character. The novel’s portrayal of music as a near-living, transformative force is both humorous and strangely profound, capturing the way art can ripple through and reshape society.
"Soul Music" is a highly recommended read for fans of Discworld, especially those interested in stories that combine heartfelt character development with cultural satire. It’s a wild, rhythm-filled ride that delivers laughs, insight, and a surprising emotional core beneath the electric guitar solos and foot-tapping chaos.