In "The Truth" by Terry Pratchett, the city of Ankh Morpork sees the introduction of newspapers, leading to a whirlwind of events involving political intrigue, a framing plot against Lord Vetinari, and the birth of investigative journalism. The story follows William de Worde, the editor of the city's first newspaper, as he navigates the dangerous waters of reporting, uncovering mysteries, and dealing with a colorful cast of characters including vampires, dwarves, and a talking dog. Through humor and satire, Pratchett explores the power of the press, the nature of truth, and the dynamics of political manipulation within the vibrant world of Discworld.
Pratchett's writing style in "The Truth" is characterized by witty humor, clever wordplay, and a keen observation of human nature and societal structures. With a blend of fantasy elements and satirical commentary, the novel delves into themes of media influence, political satire, and the complexities of journalism, all while maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
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Has Romance?
The story features a romantic subplot involving William de Worde and Sacharissa Cripslock, adding a layer of personal conflict to the overall narrative.
From The Publisher:
A war of words and a battle for the truth in Terry Pratchett's bestselling Discworld® series
The denizens of Ankh-Morpork fancy they've seen just about everything. But then comes the Ankh-Morpork Times, struggling scribe William de Worde's upper-crust newsletter turned Discworld's first paper of record.
An ethical journalist, de Worde has a proclivity for investigating stories-a nasty habit that soon creates powerful enemies eager to stop his presses. And what better way than to start the Inquirer, a titillating (well, what else would it be?) tabloid that conveniently interchanges what's real for what sells.
But de Worde's got an inside line on the hot story concerning Ankh-Morpork's leading patrician, Lord Vetinari. The facts say Vetinari is guilty. But as William de Worde learns, facts don't always tell the whole story. There's that pesky little thing called . . . the truth.
Ratings (35)
Incredible (11) | |
Loved It (19) | |
Liked It (5) |
Reader Stats (45):
Read It (34) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (2) |
1 comment(s)
I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I do most of the Discworld books, perhaps because I don't really like any of the featured characters. William de Worde is a wimp becoming a journalist (and Pratchett's vision of what a Journalist is is not a pretty one). Unlike Vimes, a drunk becoming a copper, there isn't much to like in either the old or the new William. Still, I've read it twice and may yet read it again. So-so Discworld is still better than a lot of other stuff.
What can you read after
The Truth?
About the Author:
Terry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal, as well as being awarded a knighthood for services to literature. He died in March 2015. terrypratchettbooks.com
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