 My favorite Pratchett novel
Terry Pratchett is an insightful master of satire and literary/historical allusions. I can't help but feel that categorizing Prachett as "fantasy" is misleading, because there is much much more to his work than wizards and trolls; the fantastic elements serve as a background more than anything else, while the meat of his work focuses on much more universal themes.
The Truth is the first Pratchett novel I ever read, and remains a favorite after all these years. At first I was a bit hesitant by the suggestion - after all, I really have no interest in reading about dwarves and elves and things of the like - but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Although there are several elements of "traditional" fantasy in Pratchett's Discworld books, the motifs are as much a part of his larger satirical work as the "main" subjects. You can take nothing in Pratchett's novels at face value, and his work is a delight for literature enthusiasts (I remember studying obscure 18th-century literature as an undergraduate, and stumbling across a reference to some of the same texts in a Pratchett book I happened to be reading).
The Truth follows a hapless William de Worde as he accidentally becomes involved in the publication of Ankh Morpork's first newspaper. Pratchett creates a world of fabulous characters as he examines how something as pedestrian as a newspaper can change the political and social landscape of a society - for better and for worse. He tackles subjects such as wealth and privilege, politics, and racial prejudices as he effortlessly satirizes all elements of various social institutions. No one is safe from Pratchett's scrutiny and wit, and the result is a truly entertaining and intelligent novel.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Discworld novels, I always recommend The Truth first. I really feel that it has something for everyone, and serves as a wonderful introduction to Pratchett's style while delighting audiences of all kinds.
My favorite Discworld novel!
I have to say, this is my favorite of all of the Discworld novels. Even 'Going Postal' doesn't match it on the list & I loved Postal. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is about this book, although I do have to admit that it's partially because of Otto Chriek.
The plotline of this book surrounds the character of William De Worde & his attempt at forming a newspaper. Meanwhile the Patrician has been framed for a crime & been kidnapped. (Wisely, the people framing him knew that nobody would question the Patrician if he were still around.) With exploding vampire photographers, a room full of printing dwarves & a lovely young reporter, De Worde seems to be the only one who can save the day.
I freaking love this book. Unconditionally. It could eat crackers in bed & I wouldn't throw it out. (OK, so I'm being a little facetious there.) But I do love this book. I love the idea of vampires who are trying to refrain from drinking blood. I like the idea of people cussing by saying --ing. I'm sure that there are some who may not like this book, but I'm not one of them. I actually read this one out of order, having picked it up & mistaken it for one earlier in the series & I really didn't feel that out of place. (The great thing about Discworld novels is that you don't necessarily have to read them in order.)
A Wonderful Introduction to Terry Pratchett's Discworld
A world where you find vampires, werewolves, and trolls can sound spooky but take heart for these are just regular law abiding citizens of Discworld.
This is the first Discworld book I read though I have read many of the 25+ books Mr. Pratchett has written since. It is a wonderful book, full of humor, interesting characters, a plot which keeps the reader involved and it is a book that leaves one with a desire to read more . . . and more. Fortunately, there is more, a lot more.
As a writer, Mr. Pratchett inspired me to write and publish my first novel, "Hamilton Swoop Wizard of Green Ridge." For that, I will be forever grateful.
Pratchett takes on the media and news; millions entertained.
A rare stand-alone piece from Pratchett (albeit one with a fairly large supporting cast of regulars) taking on the press and the human obsession with news. As always, Pratchett's satirical points are dead-on, thoughtful, insightful, and genuinely funny, ranging from "light" news to the dangers of offering a reward for missing objects. But, as usual, it's the rich and wonderful characters that Pratchett creates that make the book such a wondrous joy, and the fact that both Vimes and Vetinari play such major roles is just icing on the cake. If there's a weak point, it's the recurring Pulp Fiction parody; sure, it's funny, but it seems to add little to the book, and ultimately feels a little distracting, especially as those two characters come towards their bizarre fates. Regardless, they're enjoyable characters, and fit nicely into Pratchett's wondrous, magical, hilarious world, and watching him control his marvelous plots so nicely is a joy, as always.
Investigative Journalism comes to Ankh-Morpork!
William de Worde didn't WANT to become a journalist. However he was good at writing and he found that people would PAY HIm to print up the details of day to day life in Ankh-Morpork. The reason basically being that Morporkians are basically voyeurs and love keeping abreast of other people's business.
Thus William De Worde made an alliance with some dwarves who owned a printing press and THE TIMES was born.
The story progresses and rapidly becomes more than simply a way of making money. When the Patrician is arrested for attempted murder, William thinks the whole thing looks funny. Certain details don't add up. Why attack his own secretary? And if Vetinari (a graduate of the assassin's guild) wanted to kill somebody, why would they end up merely wounded and not dead? And why would an assassin be stupid enough to call out, "I've killed him!", after dealing a merely wounding blow?
With no training whatsoever, William still thinks like an investigative journalist and asks all the right questions and gradually uncovers the truth.
I'm something of a fan of investigative journalism, so this book that takes Ankh-Morpork's first journalist and turns him into a hero really appeals to me.
Commander Vimes, Sergeant Angua, Sergeant Detritus and Corporal Nobbs also make cameo appearances in this story. I only mention them as the City Watch is traditionally my favorite part of Ankh-Morpork. Also William manages to outsmart Angua as she's she's tailing him in werewolf form. And anybody who can outsmart a werewolf that's picked up their scent and get away free and clear is a very cunning and admirable opponant and the sort of person who is not to be underestimated.
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