Dragons and Laughter, in Terry Pratchett’s ‘Dragons at Crumbling Castle’

I first came across the name Terry Pratchett when I accidentally stumbled upon the show Good Omens. I neither knew nor cared to find out which parts of the story were written by Pratchett and which by Gaiman. What drew me to the show was the sheer ridiculousness of it. I didn’t attempt to read any of Pratchett’s work, though, because I had apprehensions about the cultural translation of humor. I wasn’t sure I would find his writing as funny as I believed I should. That turned out to be a false idea. 

Dragons at Crumbling Castle is a collection of 14 short stories, mostly written in the author's youth. These stories were published in various publications over years, unlike the author's later work which apparently all take place in a singular universe called the Discworld. I absolutely loved how layered the humor is in this work, yet the stories themselves remain simple. It’s easy to connect with them since the punch is clear yet lands with surprise. If I were to compare him to anyone, it might be O. Henry, not because their styles are similar, but because both captivate the reader and tie things together in unexpected ways. With Pratchett, you wait for the humor to land, only to realize there’s a moral hidden beneath it. Pratchett is one of the funniest authors I’ve ever read, and his ability to cross those cultural boundaries that often entrap humor is brilliant. Or perhaps I’m easily pleased. 

I offer the O. Henry comparison because I have not read any other Terry Pratchett work, but I will definitely do so very soon. Short stories are a particular favorite of mine, and I am very excited to explore more of Pratchett’s work, knowing there are other stories and universes full of morals, monsters, and laughs waiting for me. It was such a refreshing change to pick up a book and actually have belly laughter. I am so grateful I picked up this book.