Hogfather

Name: Hogfather
Author: Terry Pratchett

by Terry Pratchett

1996 · 430 pages · Fiction

76.3Must-Read
Score Modern

Lifetime bestseller

≈ 11 hours to read · about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day

What it's about

It's the night before Hogswatch on the Discworld, and something is missing: the Hogfather, who brings presents to children, has disappeared. Death, worried that belief in him is dangerously low, decides to take on the job himself, which is unsettling for everyone, while his granddaughter Susan sets out to find out what happened.

Why it's worth reading

It's on the BBC's Big Read and is one of the best-loved Discworld novels. It's funny and warm, and it has something real to say about why humans need stories.

You'll love it if you liked

Good Omens, Equal Rites or Night Watch

Good to know

It's a Discworld book that stands alone, a perfect holiday read. Death speaks in capital letters.

Quick answers

Is Hogfather worth reading?

Yes. It's on the BBC's Big Read and is one of the best-loved Discworld novels. It ranks #676 of the 2,819 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 76.3 (the best book we found scores 99).

What is Hogfather about?

How long does it take to read Hogfather?

About 11 hours (430 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.

What should I read after Hogfather?

If you liked it, try Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett or Night Watch by Terry Pratchett.

By the numbers

76.3Must-Read Score

Readers87 out of 100 · counts 42%
Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
Bestseller47 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%

Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.

On the BBC's The Big Read list.