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Mort summary
Brief summary
Mort is a humorous fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett. It follows the story of a young man named Mort who becomes Death's apprentice and must navigate the challenges of the afterlife.
Table of Contents
Mort
Summary of key ideas
Death's Apprentice
In Mort by Terry Pratchett, we are introduced to Mort, a young man who is looking for a job. However, he doesn't have much luck until he is taken on as an apprentice by Death himself. Mort is initially confused by his new role, but he soon finds that his job is to assist Death in his duties, which includes guiding souls to the afterlife.
Death, who is depicted as a tall, skeletal figure in a black robe, has a few quirks that Mort finds curious. For example, Death is fascinated by the human condition and often tries to understand it by attempting to adopt human behaviors. Mort is also introduced to Death's horse, Binky, which is capable of traveling through time and space.
The Princess and the Assassin
One day, Death and Mort are sent to the city of Sto Lat, where they witness the assassination of a king. Mort is horrified when he realizes that the princess, Keli, is about to be killed as well. Acting on impulse, Mort decides to save her life by altering her destiny and interfering with the natural order of things. By doing so, he creates a parallel reality where Keli lives, but her father dies.
Death, who is bound by the rules of his job, informs Mort that he has made a mistake and that he must correct it by ensuring that Keli's father survives. However, Mort, who has developed feelings for Keli, refuses to accept this and decides to take matters into his own hands. He believes that he can outsmart Death and rewrite fate.
Chaos and Consequences
As Mort continues to meddle with the timeline, chaos ensues. The natural order of things is disrupted, and time itself begins to unravel. Meanwhile, Death, who has been replaced by an incompetent substitute, is struggling to maintain control over the situation. Mort realizes his mistake and, with the help of Death's adopted daughter, Ysabell, tries to set things right.
In a climactic showdown, Mort confronts the assassin who is responsible for the king's death and manages to restore the original timeline. However, as a consequence of his actions, Mort is forced to leave his old life behind and become Death's new apprentice. He accepts his fate, understanding that his actions have consequences, and that he must shoulder the responsibility for them.
Acceptance and Growth
In the end, Mort learns to accept his new role and the responsibilities that come with it. He realizes that Death is not cruel or unfair, but simply a necessary part of the natural order. Mort's journey from a naive young man to a mature and responsible apprentice is a central theme of the story.
In conclusion, Mort by Terry Pratchett is a witty and insightful exploration of life, death, and the nature of fate. Through Mort's adventures, we are reminded of the importance of accepting our limitations, understanding the consequences of our actions, and appreciating the value of every moment we have.
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What is Mort about?
Mort is a fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett that follows the story of a young man named Mort who becomes an apprentice to Death himself. Set in the Discworld, the book explores themes of life, death, and the consequences of meddling with the natural order of things. With Pratchett's signature wit and humor, Mort offers a unique perspective on the afterlife and the role of destiny.
Mort Review
Mort (1987) by Terry Pratchett is a humorous fantasy novel that follows Mort, a young man who becomes Death's apprentice. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Explores the unconventional relationship between Mort and Death, offering a fresh perspective on mortality and the afterlife.
- Features quirky characters and clever dialogue that add layers of humor and depth to the story, engaging readers throughout.
- Blends fantasy elements with satirical humor, creating a unique and entertaining narrative that is anything but boring.
Who should read Mort?
Readers who enjoy clever and humorous fantasy novels
Fans of Terry Pratchett's unique and satirical writing style
Those interested in exploring philosophical themes through entertaining storytelling
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Mort FAQs
What is the main message of Mort?
The main message of Mort is about the balance between life and death, and the importance of choices.
How long does it take to read Mort?
Reading Mort takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Mort a good book? Is it worth reading?
Mort is worth reading for its humor, unique storytelling, and insights on mortality and responsibility.
Who is the author of Mort?
The author of Mort is Terry Pratchett.
What to read after Mort?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mort, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
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- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda