Skip to main content
Customer Review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2022
“‘You’ve read books, I can see. Have you ever read any about children who go to a magical faraway kingdom and have adventures with goblins and so on?’ ‘Yes, of course,’ said Susan, grimly. ‘It’d probably be best if you thought along those lines,’ said the raven.” - from ‘Soul Music’ by Terry Pratchett.
‘Soul Music’ is Book 16 in the Discworld series and also Book 3 in the Death sub-series. It was originally published in 1994. I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Nigel Planer.
In ‘Soul Music’ we are introduced to sixteen-year-old Susan Sto Helit, who is currently attending a posh boarding school. While she is trying to grow up normally, Susan is considered by all a little odd as might be expected if your Grandfather rides a white horse named Binky and wields a scythe. When Death goes on another journey of self discovery, it looks as though Susan will be expected to take over the family business.
Susan is aided in her new role not only by the compliant Binky but by the Death of Rats and Quoth the Raven, who serves as interpreter for the spectral rat. Unfortunately, folk seem to be mistaking Susan for the Tooth Fairy.
Meanwhile, a small troupe of musicians seeking to gain admittance to the Guild of Musicians stumble across a little shop tucked away in a side alley and end up in the possession of some unique instruments. They proceed to create a new and addictive kind of music. The kind that changes people, with a beat that you can dance to. It’s called
Music With Rocks In.
As the band gains fame a number of events takes place and Susan is drawn to save the life of one of its members….causing timeline problems.
I adore Terry Pratchett’s writing though ‘Soul Music’ isn’t one of my favourites. It felt rather ‘bitty’ at times as it jumped between its various storylines. In addition to Susan coming to terms with her heritage, Death’s existential crises, and the musicians finding fame, there are subplots involving the Watch and the wizards of the Unseen University.
Certainly even with these minor issues ‘Soul Music’ was very funny with plenty of biting satire directed at the music industry that includes unscrupulous managers and over enthusiastic fans. There’s quite a few references to 20th Century rock music sprinkled throughout that might bypass some readers.
While a bit mixed in terms of its pacing ‘Soul Music’ did address more serious issues linked to loss and bereavement as well as the bonds of family. Also, it had a powerful underlying message on the power of music.
4.5 rounded up to 5.
‘Soul Music’ is Book 16 in the Discworld series and also Book 3 in the Death sub-series. It was originally published in 1994. I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Nigel Planer.
In ‘Soul Music’ we are introduced to sixteen-year-old Susan Sto Helit, who is currently attending a posh boarding school. While she is trying to grow up normally, Susan is considered by all a little odd as might be expected if your Grandfather rides a white horse named Binky and wields a scythe. When Death goes on another journey of self discovery, it looks as though Susan will be expected to take over the family business.
Susan is aided in her new role not only by the compliant Binky but by the Death of Rats and Quoth the Raven, who serves as interpreter for the spectral rat. Unfortunately, folk seem to be mistaking Susan for the Tooth Fairy.
Meanwhile, a small troupe of musicians seeking to gain admittance to the Guild of Musicians stumble across a little shop tucked away in a side alley and end up in the possession of some unique instruments. They proceed to create a new and addictive kind of music. The kind that changes people, with a beat that you can dance to. It’s called
Music With Rocks In.
As the band gains fame a number of events takes place and Susan is drawn to save the life of one of its members….causing timeline problems.
I adore Terry Pratchett’s writing though ‘Soul Music’ isn’t one of my favourites. It felt rather ‘bitty’ at times as it jumped between its various storylines. In addition to Susan coming to terms with her heritage, Death’s existential crises, and the musicians finding fame, there are subplots involving the Watch and the wizards of the Unseen University.
Certainly even with these minor issues ‘Soul Music’ was very funny with plenty of biting satire directed at the music industry that includes unscrupulous managers and over enthusiastic fans. There’s quite a few references to 20th Century rock music sprinkled throughout that might bypass some readers.
While a bit mixed in terms of its pacing ‘Soul Music’ did address more serious issues linked to loss and bereavement as well as the bonds of family. Also, it had a powerful underlying message on the power of music.
4.5 rounded up to 5.
