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Discworld #33
Going Postal
Arch-swindler Moist von Lipwig never believed his confidence crimes were hanging offenses -- until he found himself with a noose tightly around his neck, dropping through a trapdoor, and falling into ... a government job?
By all rights, Moist should have met his maker. Instead, it's Lord Vetinari, supreme ruler of Ankh-Morpork, who promptly offers him a job as Postmaster. Since his only other option is a nonliving one, Moist accepts the position -- and the hulking golem watchdog who comes along with it, just in case Moist was considering abandoning his responsibilities prematurely.
Getting the moribund Postal Service up and running again, however, may be a near-impossible task, what with literally mountains of decades-old undelivered mail clogging every nook and cranny of the broken-down post office building; and with only a few creaky old postmen and one rather unstable, pin-obsessed youth available to deliver it. Worse still, Moist could swear the mail is talking to him. Worst of all, it means taking on the gargantuan, money-hungry Grand Trunk clacks communication monopoly and its bloodthirsty piratical head, Mr. Reacher Gilt.
But it says on the building neither rain nor snow nor glo m of ni t ... Inspiring words (admittedly, some of the bronze letters have been stolen), and for once in his wretched life Moist is going to fight. And if the bold and impossible are what's called for, he'll do it -- in order to move the mail, continue breathing, get the girl, and specially deliver that invaluable commodity that every human being (not to mention troll, dwarf, and, yes, even golem) requires: hope.
377 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2004
3034 people are currently reading
50985 people want to read
About the author
Terry Pratchett
684 books46.1k followersSir Terence David John Pratchett was an English author, humorist, and satirist, best known for the Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels published between 1983–2015, and for the apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens (1990), which he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
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November 7, 2019Reading for the 400th time. I needed the comfort, and the escape, and the world which has a lot of darkness so you can see the light better. God I miss Pratchett.
June 14, 2022
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4.5 stars. The best plot of any Discworld book thus far, but falls short on the comedy.
When you have read 32 Discworld books, you pretty much know what you are going to get by the 33rd. A short book which an ingeniously unique plot, some surprisingly philosophical takes, and fun comedic value from start to finish.
This book however, I was not prepared for. This book was significantly longer than the previous entries, coming in at about 100 pages longer than the average Discworld book, and while many books in this series suffer by being on the longer end as the story tends to drag on with no great conclusion (kind of like a Saturday Night Live sketch), this book somehow combined a longer length and an absolutely wonderful story from start to finish.
Moist von Lipwig (a new main character, which is unique for a series that typically sticks to the same 4-5 people over and over again) is a con artist that is suddenly tasked by the patrician to take charge of the post office - and to his dismay he realizes that the mail has not been sent out in decades and has been piling up from floor to ceiling in virtually every corner of the building. Thus begins a fantastic tale of getting the mail back on track, and somehow trying to compete with the Discworld equivalent of the telegraph.
It's a devilishly fun plot that I could not put down from start to finish. Unfortunately the jokes fell a bit flat for me, and were not nearly as memorable as many of the other Discworld books. Overall though, I thought this was a great book that has rightly gone down as one of the best in the series.
You can easily pick this book up and read it without any knowledge of Discworld and be able to appreciate it, but you may benefit by reading a few of the "Nights Watch" subseries so you can get to know some of the characters that show up a little bit better.
4.5 stars. The best plot of any Discworld book thus far, but falls short on the comedy.
When you have read 32 Discworld books, you pretty much know what you are going to get by the 33rd. A short book which an ingeniously unique plot, some surprisingly philosophical takes, and fun comedic value from start to finish.
This book however, I was not prepared for. This book was significantly longer than the previous entries, coming in at about 100 pages longer than the average Discworld book, and while many books in this series suffer by being on the longer end as the story tends to drag on with no great conclusion (kind of like a Saturday Night Live sketch), this book somehow combined a longer length and an absolutely wonderful story from start to finish.
Moist von Lipwig (a new main character, which is unique for a series that typically sticks to the same 4-5 people over and over again) is a con artist that is suddenly tasked by the patrician to take charge of the post office - and to his dismay he realizes that the mail has not been sent out in decades and has been piling up from floor to ceiling in virtually every corner of the building. Thus begins a fantastic tale of getting the mail back on track, and somehow trying to compete with the Discworld equivalent of the telegraph.
It's a devilishly fun plot that I could not put down from start to finish. Unfortunately the jokes fell a bit flat for me, and were not nearly as memorable as many of the other Discworld books. Overall though, I thought this was a great book that has rightly gone down as one of the best in the series.
You can easily pick this book up and read it without any knowledge of Discworld and be able to appreciate it, but you may benefit by reading a few of the "Nights Watch" subseries so you can get to know some of the characters that show up a little bit better.
September 4, 2020
3.5 stars
This is only my 2nd Discworld book, so technically, I've skipped over 32 books to get to Going Postal. I didn't care for the 1st book in the series, but this one kept getting recommended to me over and over again, so I thought I'd give the audiobook version a shot.
The first several hours were kind of boring and unfunny (to me) so I ended up giving up on it and listening to a few romance novels and a Sherlock Holmes story before I came back and finished it out.
Basically, I ran out of other stuff to listen to and was forced into it.
BUT.
Amazingly, the story got a lot better!
It wasn't necessarily what I would personally call 'funny' but it was clever. And on the upside, you really don't need to have read any of the other books in the series to understand what is going on. I mean, I'm sure I missed out on a lot of inside jokes, but since I didn't think the regular jokes were particularly hilarious, I'm 100% ok with that.
The gist is that this lovable con artist gets executed for his crimes...but not really. Lord Vetinari recruits him forcibly into the role of Postmaster. At which point, Moist von Lipwig finds himself saddled with crazy co-workers, shadowed by a golem parole officer, stuck in a rundown building with some sort of reality-warping machine at its core, harassed by corporate villains who are trying to kill him, and almost unconsciously chasing after a strangely sexy golem placement agent/advocate who smokes like a chimney.
I honestly think that once you get past the first 3d of the book, this thing really picks up. The short version is that this sucker is a cautionary tale about corporate monopolies set in a fun alternate universe.
The long version is...well, much longer.
Recommended for fans of Discworld.
Stephen Briggs - Narrator
Publisher: HarperAudio
Edition: Unabridged
Awards:
Audie Award Nominee
Margaret A. Edwards Award
This is only my 2nd Discworld book, so technically, I've skipped over 32 books to get to Going Postal. I didn't care for the 1st book in the series, but this one kept getting recommended to me over and over again, so I thought I'd give the audiobook version a shot.
The first several hours were kind of boring and unfunny (to me) so I ended up giving up on it and listening to a few romance novels and a Sherlock Holmes story before I came back and finished it out.
Basically, I ran out of other stuff to listen to and was forced into it.
BUT.
Amazingly, the story got a lot better!
It wasn't necessarily what I would personally call 'funny' but it was clever. And on the upside, you really don't need to have read any of the other books in the series to understand what is going on. I mean, I'm sure I missed out on a lot of inside jokes, but since I didn't think the regular jokes were particularly hilarious, I'm 100% ok with that.
The gist is that this lovable con artist gets executed for his crimes...but not really. Lord Vetinari recruits him forcibly into the role of Postmaster. At which point, Moist von Lipwig finds himself saddled with crazy co-workers, shadowed by a golem parole officer, stuck in a rundown building with some sort of reality-warping machine at its core, harassed by corporate villains who are trying to kill him, and almost unconsciously chasing after a strangely sexy golem placement agent/advocate who smokes like a chimney.
I honestly think that once you get past the first 3d of the book, this thing really picks up. The short version is that this sucker is a cautionary tale about corporate monopolies set in a fun alternate universe.
The long version is...well, much longer.
Recommended for fans of Discworld.
Stephen Briggs - Narrator
Publisher: HarperAudio
Edition: Unabridged
Awards:
Audie Award Nominee
Margaret A. Edwards Award
December 26, 2025
HOPE OF DELIVERANCE – As This Postman Rings at Least Three Times (or Probably More)
Every time I reread this book, I fall in love with it even more.
The audio experience with Stephen Briggs is just perfect!
WE ARE HIRING!
WANTED: Postmaster General
LOCATION: the Great Wahooni, aka the City that never sleeps, aka the City-State Ankh-Morpork
Employer: The Government (aka Lord Vetinari, aka the Patrician – tyrant, ex-Assassin’s Guild member, and head of the most terrifying HR and Accounting Department imaginable)
Perks: includes a hat with wings, a cursed building, danger bonus and a Golem bodyguard, as the former 4 postmasters died mysterious or suspicious (or both) deaths in quick succession within 1 month.
And Lord Vetinari's choice of the perfect man for the "death wish in a job title"?
...
'Oh, all right. Of course I accept as a natural-born criminal, habitual liar, fraudster, and totally untrustworthy perverted genius.'
'Capital! Welcome to government service!' said Lord Vetinari, extending his hand. 'I pride myself on being able to pick the right man.'
Because Lord Vetinari knows perfectly well that:
(Side note: This was published in 2004. Twelve years before a certain president's first election. It’s now 2025 and, rather than serving a prison sentence, he’s in his second term elected by the "average voter".)
Newly minted Postmaster General, Moist von Lipwig, Discworld's most loveable con man, trickster, fraudster, impostor, embezzler and chiseller dives into this ocean of chaos with a splash and a bang, because he knows perfectly well that:“Steal five dollars and you're a common thief. Steal thousands and you're either the government or a hero.” And boy, is he causing a tsunami!
Tasked with resurrecting the long-defunct Post Office, Moist faces public indifference, mountains of undelivered mail, and a building more haunted than functional. And yet—he might just be the only man crazy (or clever) enough to pull it off.
But first, he has to take on (down) the Clacks—Discworld’s answer to the internet (and maybe now, Starlink).
Controlled by Reacher Gilt, Chairman of the Grand Trunk Company, who is as charming as he is ruthless. Gilt runs a cutthroat corporate empire on the backs of underpaid, underappreciated workers (those who haven’t already been “efficiency-optimized” out of a job). Also, he puts on jolly great shows. He doesn't wield a massive chainsaw, he wields a giant cockatoo on his shoulders.
And how he came by owning the Company you ask: by cheating the original inventors and owners out of their business and is now running it to the ground.
Sound any bells?
It's uncanny how Sir Terry created Gilt as a perfect blend of politician-like and technocrat-like figures, albeit with much more intelligence, charm, cunning and competence.
"It was garbage, but it have been cooked by an expert. Oh, yes. You had to admire the way perfectly innocent words were mugged, ravished, stripped of all true meaning and decency and then sent to walk the gutter for Reacher Gilt, although 'synergistically' had probably been a whore from the start."
The other ingredients are Practhett's signature humour (from gentle to razor-sharp), with deep human insight and a focused and totally delightful storytelling.
And the moral of the story?: There is a list of them, so just read the book & find out for yourself!
Oh.... and believe in Anoia, Goddess of Things That Get Stuck In Drawers.
By rattling a drawer, crying "How can it close on the damned thing but not open with it? Who bought this? Do we ever use it?" you are uttering praise unto Anoia.
Every time I reread this book, I fall in love with it even more.
The audio experience with Stephen Briggs is just perfect!
WE ARE HIRING!
WANTED: Postmaster General
LOCATION: the Great Wahooni, aka the City that never sleeps, aka the City-State Ankh-Morpork
Employer: The Government (aka Lord Vetinari, aka the Patrician – tyrant, ex-Assassin’s Guild member, and head of the most terrifying HR and Accounting Department imaginable)
Perks: includes a hat with wings, a cursed building, danger bonus and a Golem bodyguard, as the former 4 postmasters died mysterious or suspicious (or both) deaths in quick succession within 1 month.
And Lord Vetinari's choice of the perfect man for the "death wish in a job title"?
...
'Oh, all right. Of course I accept as a natural-born criminal, habitual liar, fraudster, and totally untrustworthy perverted genius.'
'Capital! Welcome to government service!' said Lord Vetinari, extending his hand. 'I pride myself on being able to pick the right man.'
Because Lord Vetinari knows perfectly well that:
(Side note: This was published in 2004. Twelve years before a certain president's first election. It’s now 2025 and, rather than serving a prison sentence, he’s in his second term elected by the "average voter".)
Newly minted Postmaster General, Moist von Lipwig, Discworld's most loveable con man, trickster, fraudster, impostor, embezzler and chiseller dives into this ocean of chaos with a splash and a bang, because he knows perfectly well that:“Steal five dollars and you're a common thief. Steal thousands and you're either the government or a hero.” And boy, is he causing a tsunami!
Tasked with resurrecting the long-defunct Post Office, Moist faces public indifference, mountains of undelivered mail, and a building more haunted than functional. And yet—he might just be the only man crazy (or clever) enough to pull it off.
But first, he has to take on (down) the Clacks—Discworld’s answer to the internet (and maybe now, Starlink).
Controlled by Reacher Gilt, Chairman of the Grand Trunk Company, who is as charming as he is ruthless. Gilt runs a cutthroat corporate empire on the backs of underpaid, underappreciated workers (those who haven’t already been “efficiency-optimized” out of a job). Also, he puts on jolly great shows. He doesn't wield a massive chainsaw, he wields a giant cockatoo on his shoulders.
And how he came by owning the Company you ask: by cheating the original inventors and owners out of their business and is now running it to the ground.
Sound any bells?
It's uncanny how Sir Terry created Gilt as a perfect blend of politician-like and technocrat-like figures, albeit with much more intelligence, charm, cunning and competence.
"It was garbage, but it have been cooked by an expert. Oh, yes. You had to admire the way perfectly innocent words were mugged, ravished, stripped of all true meaning and decency and then sent to walk the gutter for Reacher Gilt, although 'synergistically' had probably been a whore from the start."
The other ingredients are Practhett's signature humour (from gentle to razor-sharp), with deep human insight and a focused and totally delightful storytelling.
And the moral of the story?: There is a list of them, so just read the book & find out for yourself!
Oh.... and believe in Anoia, Goddess of Things That Get Stuck In Drawers.
By rattling a drawer, crying "How can it close on the damned thing but not open with it? Who bought this? Do we ever use it?" you are uttering praise unto Anoia.
October 8, 2024
I love it when one work of art makes me think of another and my enjoyment of both is enhanced.
The executive office meeting subsequent to the gallows made me think of Mel Brooks’ hilarious 1974 film Blazing Saddles and Harvey Korman’s portrayal of Hedley LaMarr. So throughout the rest of the novel I eschewed the British aristocratic drawl of Lord Vetinari and replaced with Korman’s robber baron prose for full comedic effect.
Granny Weatherwax is still my favorite, but Sir Terry has succeeded again in making a GREAT Discworld novel that is funny, thought provoking and entertaining all at once.
While Moist von Lipwig is a worthy and fun protagonist, once again the real hero is Pratchett himself. The author’s pithy prose and world wise narration keeps this skipping along at a good clip and the Pratchett Smile O’ Meter was bouncing in a lively manner throughout.
Describing a picaresque tale about erstwhile con man and ne’er do-well Lipwig, Pratchett shows how a second chance after the hangman’s noose is a win-win for all involved, especially the readers. Parolee Lipwig must recreate the Ankh-Morpork post office into a going concern. We revisit many of our Discworld favorites, meet some new friends, and a rousing good time is had by all. Besides being a great entry into the Discworld mythos, this is also just a good book; Pratchett, getting better like a fine wine, spins a good yarn.
One of the best Discworld books, a MUST read for fans.
*** 2024 reread -
Excellent.
Pratchett has crafted the character of Moist Von Lipwig as a con man who is persuaded to enter government service to rebuild the given up for dead Anhk Morpork post office. The scene between the assassin trained tyrant and the fraudulent criminal talking about government work was golden.
We also see one of Pratchett’s most conniving antagonists in Reacher Gilt, Lipwig’s foil and rival.
Acerbic wit and satire rarely seen outside of a Kurt Vonnegut book, this is still after all Terry Pratchett and his humor is playful, mostly.
Interestingly I noted a similarity between some scenes here and Mel Brooks hilarious film Blazing Saddles, but there is an actual reference to that film in a brief exchange that I missed last time.
We are also introduced to Adora Belle Dearhart, a chain smoking, razor tongued Golems rights activist who is more than a match for Moist.
Fun.
The executive office meeting subsequent to the gallows made me think of Mel Brooks’ hilarious 1974 film Blazing Saddles and Harvey Korman’s portrayal of Hedley LaMarr. So throughout the rest of the novel I eschewed the British aristocratic drawl of Lord Vetinari and replaced with Korman’s robber baron prose for full comedic effect.
Granny Weatherwax is still my favorite, but Sir Terry has succeeded again in making a GREAT Discworld novel that is funny, thought provoking and entertaining all at once.
While Moist von Lipwig is a worthy and fun protagonist, once again the real hero is Pratchett himself. The author’s pithy prose and world wise narration keeps this skipping along at a good clip and the Pratchett Smile O’ Meter was bouncing in a lively manner throughout.
Describing a picaresque tale about erstwhile con man and ne’er do-well Lipwig, Pratchett shows how a second chance after the hangman’s noose is a win-win for all involved, especially the readers. Parolee Lipwig must recreate the Ankh-Morpork post office into a going concern. We revisit many of our Discworld favorites, meet some new friends, and a rousing good time is had by all. Besides being a great entry into the Discworld mythos, this is also just a good book; Pratchett, getting better like a fine wine, spins a good yarn.
One of the best Discworld books, a MUST read for fans.
*** 2024 reread -
Excellent.
Pratchett has crafted the character of Moist Von Lipwig as a con man who is persuaded to enter government service to rebuild the given up for dead Anhk Morpork post office. The scene between the assassin trained tyrant and the fraudulent criminal talking about government work was golden.
We also see one of Pratchett’s most conniving antagonists in Reacher Gilt, Lipwig’s foil and rival.
Acerbic wit and satire rarely seen outside of a Kurt Vonnegut book, this is still after all Terry Pratchett and his humor is playful, mostly.
Interestingly I noted a similarity between some scenes here and Mel Brooks hilarious film Blazing Saddles, but there is an actual reference to that film in a brief exchange that I missed last time.
We are also introduced to Adora Belle Dearhart, a chain smoking, razor tongued Golems rights activist who is more than a match for Moist.
Fun.
January 9, 2015
The mail must get through!
He was part of the government, wasn't he? Governments took money off people. That's what they were for.
Turns out, years spent scamming and conning the public have excellently prepared Moist von Lipwig with the skill set needed to run a vast corporation.
Who knew?
My Discworld-reading for the Humour Club has had its ups and downs. Some books I loved, some bored me to tears, one I didn't finish. I thrilled to the adventures of the witches, laughed at the exploits of the Night Watch and frowned upon the know-it-all wizards (Seriously, could they be more pompous? It's like reading a book where every single character is my mother-in-law!). Yet, I've never rated anything less than three stars because I laughed, at least once, while reading each book.
But now...
I'm in love again, and the spring is comin'
I'm in love again, hear my heart strings strummin' *
This one is EVERYTHING a Discworld book can be - funny, touching, clever and thrilling. If you're looking to start the series, this is a perfect place to jump in. Moist's efforts to revive the floundering postal service should make you grin and require absolutely no knowledge of previous tales.
ADDED BONUS - Pratchett has invented possibly the nicest euphemism ever for describing old age - It's good to know I'm not decrepit, I'm just rich in years.
A perfect pick-me-up of a read!
*Cole Porter
He was part of the government, wasn't he? Governments took money off people. That's what they were for.
Turns out, years spent scamming and conning the public have excellently prepared Moist von Lipwig with the skill set needed to run a vast corporation.
Who knew?
My Discworld-reading for the Humour Club has had its ups and downs. Some books I loved, some bored me to tears, one I didn't finish. I thrilled to the adventures of the witches, laughed at the exploits of the Night Watch and frowned upon the know-it-all wizards (Seriously, could they be more pompous? It's like reading a book where every single character is my mother-in-law!). Yet, I've never rated anything less than three stars because I laughed, at least once, while reading each book.
But now...
I'm in love again, and the spring is comin'
I'm in love again, hear my heart strings strummin' *
This one is EVERYTHING a Discworld book can be - funny, touching, clever and thrilling. If you're looking to start the series, this is a perfect place to jump in. Moist's efforts to revive the floundering postal service should make you grin and require absolutely no knowledge of previous tales.
ADDED BONUS - Pratchett has invented possibly the nicest euphemism ever for describing old age - It's good to know I'm not decrepit, I'm just rich in years.
A perfect pick-me-up of a read!
*Cole Porter
December 27, 2022
Dysfunctional bureaucracy and state owned companies get shown how it´s not to be done by a frivolous trickster.
Light before dark
It´s one of the best and last really easygoing and not partly dark and grim novels Pratchett wrote, with a level, quality, and density of laughs I can hardly remember from many other works, even his own. The reason for that is the big conflict between
The weak spots of strong state and free market
Officialism and beadledom vs turbocapitalism, as if one of them alone wouldn´t be already ridiculous enough. But it once again shows the flaws of all systems, go too far left and one ends up in a sloth ruled socialistic utopia without anything going on and moving forward, too far right and neoliberal and the contemporary US suddenly appears as a fictional state. The best, intelligent way
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_...
would of course be too boring, so
Bureaucrats have to deal with the creativity of how to privatize best and most radical
The protagonists struggling with that are all freaking hilarious, but still, representatives of many of the real life stereotypes these jobs are associated with. As icing on the cake, the big business motives and the power of monopolies meta lines behind the giggles are even spiced with some techy elements that make my sci fi nerd heart happy, such as
Robot laws, the internet, hacking, and some science history
That´s outstanding for Pratchett, who often preferred to focus on soft science, humanities, and the effects of these on the protagonists. By getting some more plot material into the already great characterization, the innuendos and hidden meanings of the Chekhovs and MacGuffins, drools, are even more delicious. I wish Pratchett would have continued this road toward comedic science fantasy instead of becoming darker fantasy tragicomedy.
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheibe...
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world
inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
Light before dark
It´s one of the best and last really easygoing and not partly dark and grim novels Pratchett wrote, with a level, quality, and density of laughs I can hardly remember from many other works, even his own. The reason for that is the big conflict between
The weak spots of strong state and free market
Officialism and beadledom vs turbocapitalism, as if one of them alone wouldn´t be already ridiculous enough. But it once again shows the flaws of all systems, go too far left and one ends up in a sloth ruled socialistic utopia without anything going on and moving forward, too far right and neoliberal and the contemporary US suddenly appears as a fictional state. The best, intelligent way
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_...
would of course be too boring, so
Bureaucrats have to deal with the creativity of how to privatize best and most radical
The protagonists struggling with that are all freaking hilarious, but still, representatives of many of the real life stereotypes these jobs are associated with. As icing on the cake, the big business motives and the power of monopolies meta lines behind the giggles are even spiced with some techy elements that make my sci fi nerd heart happy, such as
Robot laws, the internet, hacking, and some science history
That´s outstanding for Pratchett, who often preferred to focus on soft science, humanities, and the effects of these on the protagonists. By getting some more plot material into the already great characterization, the innuendos and hidden meanings of the Chekhovs and MacGuffins, drools, are even more delicious. I wish Pratchett would have continued this road toward comedic science fantasy instead of becoming darker fantasy tragicomedy.
This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheibe...
The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world
inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
June 16, 2021
****Mañana vlog en el canal hablando muuuucho sobre este libro (entre otras cosas)*******
El libro MÁS VICTORIANO de Terry Pratchett. Claremente un libro hecho para mi.
Obviamente, me ha encantado, me lo he pasado pipa y Húmedo es uno de esos protagonitas que se van a quedar conmigo. Es cierto que quizás es un poco demasiado buenista y el villano se me quedó un poco a medias pero todo lo demás lo he gozado, tanto el cachondeo que se trae Pratchett con LA ADMINISTRACIÓN y su burocracia como las apariciones estelares de personajes como Vetinari (No puedo ser más fan), los magos o los agentes de la Guardia.
Es el primero de tres libros protoganizados por Húmedo, y por supuesto leeré los siguientes. No hace falta haber leído ningún libro del Mundodisco antes y de hecho puede ser una buena puerta de entrada para este autor.
Lo he disfrutado mucho, no se ha convertido en uno de mis preferidos, pero ha conseguido hacerme pasar muy buenos ratos que ya es mucho.
May 28, 2024
Lord Vetinari gives conman Moist von Lipwig a choice. He can either take charge of the failed Ankh-Morpork Post Office, or he can choose the death penalty as punishment for his crimes. Moist chooses the Ankh-Morpork Post Office, thinking it will give him the chance to leave town as quickly as possible. But Lord Vetinari is smart enough not to trust a conman blindly.
There is a lot to love about this one. First and foremost, it’s a redemption story. You have Moist von Lipwig who uses his talents as a hated conman to his advantage to quickly become a respected businessman. And the post office itself also gets a redemption story as it was failing the people horribly. Under the leadership of Moist, people finally start getting the service that’s to be expected of the post office.
Apart from redemption, there’s a few other themes worth mentioning. We have an emotional connection to words and letters in particular. A romantic subplot I couldn’t help but enjoy, the dance scene in particular is such a surprise and yet a joy to read. There’s the confrontation between new and old technology as there’s a technological revolution. There’s the competition between rival companies as the post office clashes with the clacks, which is like a system of telegraphs.
Then there’s the difference between Moist von Lipwig and Reacher Gilt as entrepreneurs, as they are very different in how they run their company and spend their money. This ranges from the importance of creating a positive, safe and healthy work environment, to dealing with customers, identifying their needs and catering to them. And so much more.
We also see how the world building in the Discworld has evolved and how stories from the past have made a lasting impact on the Discworld as a whole. While earlier books have dealt with themes such as racism for example, here we clearly see that the Golems are slowly but surely gaining their freedom. Moist even treats them with respect as he sees them as his employees here.
While the plot and the themes are at the heart of this story, it’s the characters that help take the story to the next level. I’ve already talked about Moist’s brilliant character arc and his natural talent to con people into believing in him really does steal the show here. But there are a few other characters worth mentioning. Like the antagonist Reacher Gilt and the staff at the post office. And last but not least: the golem-rights activist Adora Belle Dearheart. She refuses to go out with Moist because she sees through his conman charms and realizes that he’s not a good person.
The only thing that could have been better is that this story has quite a slow start. It simply takes a while for the story to shift gears. But when it does, it’s clear that it was worth the wait.
Introducing a new subseries with a new main character so late in the series might seem bold but it honestly feels quite refreshing. It’s like a fresh gust of wind blowing some new energy and life into the series, while still focusing on the core elements of what makes the Discworld books so great.
There is a lot to love about this one. First and foremost, it’s a redemption story. You have Moist von Lipwig who uses his talents as a hated conman to his advantage to quickly become a respected businessman. And the post office itself also gets a redemption story as it was failing the people horribly. Under the leadership of Moist, people finally start getting the service that’s to be expected of the post office.
Apart from redemption, there’s a few other themes worth mentioning. We have an emotional connection to words and letters in particular. A romantic subplot I couldn’t help but enjoy, the dance scene in particular is such a surprise and yet a joy to read. There’s the confrontation between new and old technology as there’s a technological revolution. There’s the competition between rival companies as the post office clashes with the clacks, which is like a system of telegraphs.
Then there’s the difference between Moist von Lipwig and Reacher Gilt as entrepreneurs, as they are very different in how they run their company and spend their money. This ranges from the importance of creating a positive, safe and healthy work environment, to dealing with customers, identifying their needs and catering to them. And so much more.
We also see how the world building in the Discworld has evolved and how stories from the past have made a lasting impact on the Discworld as a whole. While earlier books have dealt with themes such as racism for example, here we clearly see that the Golems are slowly but surely gaining their freedom. Moist even treats them with respect as he sees them as his employees here.
While the plot and the themes are at the heart of this story, it’s the characters that help take the story to the next level. I’ve already talked about Moist’s brilliant character arc and his natural talent to con people into believing in him really does steal the show here. But there are a few other characters worth mentioning. Like the antagonist Reacher Gilt and the staff at the post office. And last but not least: the golem-rights activist Adora Belle Dearheart. She refuses to go out with Moist because she sees through his conman charms and realizes that he’s not a good person.
The only thing that could have been better is that this story has quite a slow start. It simply takes a while for the story to shift gears. But when it does, it’s clear that it was worth the wait.
Introducing a new subseries with a new main character so late in the series might seem bold but it honestly feels quite refreshing. It’s like a fresh gust of wind blowing some new energy and life into the series, while still focusing on the core elements of what makes the Discworld books so great.
January 16, 2024
For the longest time, Going Postal has been my best known unread book. Having watched and rewatched the SkyOne TV adaptation, I had sort of tacitly decided that actually reading the book was not high on my list of priorities. Plus, Charles Dance is the quintessential Lord Vetinari as far as I'm concerned. Sorry GoT fans, the Discworld was here long before you.
Moist von Lipwig has dedicated most of his life to perfecting the intricacies of con-artistry, but his unparalleled streak of luck is about to meet a rather definitive ending. Or is it? Lord Havelock Vetinari is in need of a new Post Master for Ankh-Morpork's long deceased Post Office. A truly impossible job even for Lipwig, but our hero's had plenty of experience in slinking off. Unfortunately for him, the Patrician has had plenty of experience preventing said slinking off.
And since no request from Lord Vetinari ever comes with just one catch, Lipwig soon realizes that any possible failure may have some truly fatal consequences. And that's not just due to Vetinari's retaliation.
So with no other alternatives, and a parole officer immune to any forms of bribery, Lipwig decides to just... fake his way through the Post Master job. And against all odds, our hero becomes an instant success.
So how was the reading experience, you may ask? As predictable as I suspected, but also... not that much. The generic idea remains, of Lipwig managing to surround himself with some of the most capable people in order to achieve his goals, especially when said people had no idea of their own capabilities. Except for Ms. Dearheart of course, who should just be declared a Goddess, so we can all bow down to her officially.
So what's better: book or movie? Honestly, I liked both.
The TV adaptation has turned Adora Dearheart into this absolutely kickass heroine, who doesn't just command the Golem Trust, but also dabbles in Clacks Tower experiments, tames crazy horses, and is generally up for saving the World any time and anywhere.
The book on the other hand gives you awesome bonus scenes like:
- Moist getting inducted into the secret Postal Workers' cult
- Miss Macalariat the ferocious office manager of the Post Office, intent on proper bathroom etiquette even for golems
- and of course Grandad Lipwig's many teachings back in Uberwald, the building blocks of Moist's survival strategies.
All I can suggest is not to reread/rewatch either so much, as to be able to anticipate each and every twist and turn. It'll take away from the excitement of discovering Lipwigs next crazy scheme.
Score: 3.8/5 stars
Surprisingly entertaining, in spite of all my initial misgivings.
======================
Other books starring Moist von Lipwig:
Review of book 2: Making Money
Review of book 3: Raising Steam
Moist von Lipwig has dedicated most of his life to perfecting the intricacies of con-artistry, but his unparalleled streak of luck is about to meet a rather definitive ending. Or is it? Lord Havelock Vetinari is in need of a new Post Master for Ankh-Morpork's long deceased Post Office. A truly impossible job even for Lipwig, but our hero's had plenty of experience in slinking off. Unfortunately for him, the Patrician has had plenty of experience preventing said slinking off.
And since no request from Lord Vetinari ever comes with just one catch, Lipwig soon realizes that any possible failure may have some truly fatal consequences. And that's not just due to Vetinari's retaliation.
So with no other alternatives, and a parole officer immune to any forms of bribery, Lipwig decides to just... fake his way through the Post Master job. And against all odds, our hero becomes an instant success.
So how was the reading experience, you may ask? As predictable as I suspected, but also... not that much. The generic idea remains, of Lipwig managing to surround himself with some of the most capable people in order to achieve his goals, especially when said people had no idea of their own capabilities. Except for Ms. Dearheart of course, who should just be declared a Goddess, so we can all bow down to her officially.
“What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter.”
“That was an important rule of any game: always make it easy for people to give you money.”
“And you just hoped something would turn up? What made you think it would?"
"It always has. The only way to get something to turn up when you need it is to need it to turn up.”
So what's better: book or movie? Honestly, I liked both.
The TV adaptation has turned Adora Dearheart into this absolutely kickass heroine, who doesn't just command the Golem Trust, but also dabbles in Clacks Tower experiments, tames crazy horses, and is generally up for saving the World any time and anywhere.
The book on the other hand gives you awesome bonus scenes like:
- Moist getting inducted into the secret Postal Workers' cult
- Miss Macalariat the ferocious office manager of the Post Office, intent on proper bathroom etiquette even for golems
- and of course Grandad Lipwig's many teachings back in Uberwald, the building blocks of Moist's survival strategies.
All I can suggest is not to reread/rewatch either so much, as to be able to anticipate each and every twist and turn. It'll take away from the excitement of discovering Lipwigs next crazy scheme.
Score: 3.8/5 stars
Surprisingly entertaining, in spite of all my initial misgivings.
======================
Other books starring Moist von Lipwig:
Review of book 2: Making Money
Review of book 3: Raising Steam
February 29, 2020
Welcome to the Industrial Revolution! Well, technically we already had three books belonging to that sub-series (though I only really consider two of those truly to be of that subject), but this one is full of ... industry. And not as in factories but as in a man's industrious efforts.
Meet Moist von Lipwick. No, his parents really didn't think it through when naming him. He is up to no good, cheating people out of money (though always without using any form of violence) and he is about to pay the price at the beginning of this book. Because Lord Vetinari has ordered his death. So he's hanged ... until an inch of his life ... literally.
(I really love the Patrician.)
Afterwards, he has an audience with Vetinari where he is voluntold to be the next Postmaster of Ankh-Morpork. You see, the industry (there is that word again) that has formed around the Clacks towers is getting out of hand, the moguls becoming almost unruly, which is something the Patrician certainly cannot stand. However, previous attempts at reinstating a postmaster and re-starting the regular delivery of mail for some much needed competition have all ... failed. It takes a swindler to get ahead of the crooks (incl. their pirate boss).
So Lipwick gets a very special parol officer, Ankh-Morpork gets stamps and mailmen, and the letters that have waited decades to be delivered finally get to rest.
Technically, there is no reason for me to like a stinking big metropolis like Ankh-Morpork. And yet ... every time I read a book that takes place there, I'm loving every minute of it. Everyone trying to get one over the citizens there deserves what he's going to get. *lol*
I also love the diversity. This time represented by the wonderful golem Mr. Pump (Pump 19).
And how could anyone not love the fact that this installment of the series centers around stories and unfinished life stories at that! Personally, I love writing and sending and receiving letters so reading an entire book that was crafted around the notion that mail means communication and connection and HOPE, was rather magical indeed!
The writing is top notch, there is no denying it and no need to go over all the glory that is Pratchett's mastery. Just look at the highlighted quotes or read almost any of my other reviews for more on that. But his newest character addition, Moist, is a masterpiece! I love a number of characters in the series but thisconfidence trickster hero is something else! I'm glad to know there will be more books with him in the not so distant future and I'm very much looking forward to his continued shenanigans.
Meet Moist von Lipwick. No, his parents really didn't think it through when naming him. He is up to no good, cheating people out of money (though always without using any form of violence) and he is about to pay the price at the beginning of this book. Because Lord Vetinari has ordered his death. So he's hanged ... until an inch of his life ... literally.
(I really love the Patrician.)
Afterwards, he has an audience with Vetinari where he is voluntold to be the next Postmaster of Ankh-Morpork. You see, the industry (there is that word again) that has formed around the Clacks towers is getting out of hand, the moguls becoming almost unruly, which is something the Patrician certainly cannot stand. However, previous attempts at reinstating a postmaster and re-starting the regular delivery of mail for some much needed competition have all ... failed. It takes a swindler to get ahead of the crooks (incl. their pirate boss).
So Lipwick gets a very special parol officer, Ankh-Morpork gets stamps and mailmen, and the letters that have waited decades to be delivered finally get to rest.
Technically, there is no reason for me to like a stinking big metropolis like Ankh-Morpork. And yet ... every time I read a book that takes place there, I'm loving every minute of it. Everyone trying to get one over the citizens there deserves what he's going to get. *lol*
I also love the diversity. This time represented by the wonderful golem Mr. Pump (Pump 19).
And how could anyone not love the fact that this installment of the series centers around stories and unfinished life stories at that! Personally, I love writing and sending and receiving letters so reading an entire book that was crafted around the notion that mail means communication and connection and HOPE, was rather magical indeed!
The writing is top notch, there is no denying it and no need to go over all the glory that is Pratchett's mastery. Just look at the highlighted quotes or read almost any of my other reviews for more on that. But his newest character addition, Moist, is a masterpiece! I love a number of characters in the series but this
February 29, 2020
Out of all the books in the Discworld series, this is the first one that made me truly go from a fan to a diehard fan. I enjoyed them all, to be sure, but this is the one that made me downright giddy and pleased.
It’s a heist!! Um. Kinda. When a heist meets becoming an avatar for a god of incomplete stories meets confidence trickery meets MAIL DELIVERY.
I mean, this is Discworld. It makes perfect sense. Who other than a successful (albeit caught by Lord V) thief to run the biggest government con job in Discworld?
All hail the Postmaster General. Beloved of all the gods and the crookedest personality in all of Pratchett’s works. :)
So funny, so magical, and so freakishly... real.
If you don’t steal enough, you’re hung as a thief. You steal enough, they call you The Government or a Hero.
It’s a heist!! Um. Kinda. When a heist meets becoming an avatar for a god of incomplete stories meets confidence trickery meets MAIL DELIVERY.
I mean, this is Discworld. It makes perfect sense. Who other than a successful (albeit caught by Lord V) thief to run the biggest government con job in Discworld?
All hail the Postmaster General. Beloved of all the gods and the crookedest personality in all of Pratchett’s works. :)
So funny, so magical, and so freakishly... real.
If you don’t steal enough, you’re hung as a thief. You steal enough, they call you The Government or a Hero.
January 3, 2024
One of my very favorites of this wonderful series! I can imagine reading this again and again and enjoying it every bit as much as the first time. Favorite lines:
"Go and make her some tea or something will you?" said Moist, patting his jacket, "I'll just go & pull myself together." Where else but England would you expect to hear someone say this?! I find it completely endearing and somewhat nostalgic of my years growing up in the Middle of England.
"Moist was pretty sure doctors kept skeletons around to cow patients. Nyer nyer we know what you look like underneath....." I laughed out loud at the author's dry wit, which may have an inkling of truth in it ;)
Update 1/1/24: listening again with my hubby and daughter. This is the first in the Moist von Lipwig Series. We are listening as we travel to Brookfield Zoo, and later to the illuminations at Morton Arboretum. So much fun!
Completed 1/2/24: This remains a favorite for me and as a bonus, my family love it also.
"Go and make her some tea or something will you?" said Moist, patting his jacket, "I'll just go & pull myself together." Where else but England would you expect to hear someone say this?! I find it completely endearing and somewhat nostalgic of my years growing up in the Middle of England.
"Moist was pretty sure doctors kept skeletons around to cow patients. Nyer nyer we know what you look like underneath....." I laughed out loud at the author's dry wit, which may have an inkling of truth in it ;)
Update 1/1/24: listening again with my hubby and daughter. This is the first in the Moist von Lipwig Series. We are listening as we travel to Brookfield Zoo, and later to the illuminations at Morton Arboretum. So much fun!
Completed 1/2/24: This remains a favorite for me and as a bonus, my family love it also.
December 9, 2019
This was really surprising, actually. Perhaps it shouldn't have been, given how many people whose opinions I respect are Pratchett fans, but I haven't read a fantasy novel since giving up on Robert Jordan's painstakingly prolonged The Wheel of Time (somewhere in book 5, I think) long before college. Actually, I suppose I read a few of the Harry Potters in the interim, but in some ways that felt more like keeping up with pop culture than reading actual fantasy.
In any event, Going Postal was purely a pleasure. Compared to the grueling epics I recall from years ago, Pratchett's style was brisk and entertaining, his humor completely suffusing the tone of the book in a way that reminded me of Douglas' Adams' approach to science fiction. But whereas Adams' plotlines can be meandering and perhaps secondary to his constant seeking of the absurd, Pratchett's were elaborately coiled, well-paced, and compelling, and his characters, amusing and strange as they often were, had a certain sincerity that kept me interested in their welfare. Ridiculous name aside, Moist von Lipwig's reluctantly scrupulous con artist (emphasis on 'artist', as his maneuvering definitely deserves such a word) was exceedingly entertaining to follow.
Pratchett's underlying thoughts and satire also seemed fairly spot-on. His commentary on the nature of hope suggests that he would understand why so many under-privileged Americans tend to vote Republican against their best financial interests (besides its application in many other areas of human nature), and the bits about personal momentum were sufficiently commanding as to grant even the reader a resounding sense of motion and possibility from time to time.
I suppose Pratchett may not be to everyone's taste (and I was not sure he would be to mine -- fantasy comedy, never!) but he seems to be very skilled in his particular niche. Yes, this was very good. Mostly just at being a fun diversion, but also perhaps as well thought out and gracefully executed literature.
In any event, Going Postal was purely a pleasure. Compared to the grueling epics I recall from years ago, Pratchett's style was brisk and entertaining, his humor completely suffusing the tone of the book in a way that reminded me of Douglas' Adams' approach to science fiction. But whereas Adams' plotlines can be meandering and perhaps secondary to his constant seeking of the absurd, Pratchett's were elaborately coiled, well-paced, and compelling, and his characters, amusing and strange as they often were, had a certain sincerity that kept me interested in their welfare. Ridiculous name aside, Moist von Lipwig's reluctantly scrupulous con artist (emphasis on 'artist', as his maneuvering definitely deserves such a word) was exceedingly entertaining to follow.
Pratchett's underlying thoughts and satire also seemed fairly spot-on. His commentary on the nature of hope suggests that he would understand why so many under-privileged Americans tend to vote Republican against their best financial interests (besides its application in many other areas of human nature), and the bits about personal momentum were sufficiently commanding as to grant even the reader a resounding sense of motion and possibility from time to time.
I suppose Pratchett may not be to everyone's taste (and I was not sure he would be to mine -- fantasy comedy, never!) but he seems to be very skilled in his particular niche. Yes, this was very good. Mostly just at being a fun diversion, but also perhaps as well thought out and gracefully executed literature.
July 1, 2015
I haven't read a lot of Pratchett -- I think this is only my second one -- but I do enjoy reading him for the color and the metaphor. The way he turns a figure of speech on the lathe will frequently leave you just sitting there in your chair with a table leg in your hand, and your wife says, "Hey, what's with the table leg." And I say, "I'm reading."
August 18, 2018
Monetary Relativity
No better theory of money exists than Pratchett's: money is founded on postage stamps that got out of control. Understanding that fact helps to explain the world better than relativity theory.
No better theory of money exists than Pratchett's: money is founded on postage stamps that got out of control. Understanding that fact helps to explain the world better than relativity theory.
April 19, 2023
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[3.5/5 stars] Okay I’ll admit it… I read a Pratchett and liked it.
I’ve long lumped Pratchett in with Piers Anthony and Douglas Adams as the type of over-the-top humor writers or stories that are just too ridiculous for me to enjoy. I just assumed I wouldn’t like his works… I’m glad I was wrong.
I realize this is like the 30-something book in the Discworld Saga and I read it considerably out of order. I normally balk at even the idea of breaking continuity like that. But the subject-matter of a low-stakes fantasy where a convicted criminal is put in charge of a run-down postal office appealed to me considerably.
And you know what? I actually thought it was funny.
I tend to prefer dry humor, but in this case the humor worked for me because the jokes and situations were CLEVER. Very intelligently written and prevalent enough to keep me feeling a bubbling fondness for the book the entire way through. I feel like I had to work to get some of the jokes (in a good way) and that subtly somehow made them funnier. I had such a good time with this book that I plan to read more from Pratchett at some point.
The last 20% of Going Postal lost me a little, as it became more about (I imagine) bigger-picture series conflicts than just the post office drama, but that didn’t bother me too much. One thing I liked while reading was how many random “moments” occurred with what I can only guess as cameos from characters from other books in the series. I got the sense everything weaved together, and I truly love stuff like that in series. It makes me want to pick up more books to learn more about everyone.
Overall, I held out for such a long time, but I’m glad a weird impulse drove me to pick up Going Postal on a whim. It was truly delightful, and I am now a Pratchett believer.
Recommendations: if like me you’ve been hesitating to read Pratchett because Discworld seems too ridiculous, I can assure you that at least this one book never falls over the edge into “downright stupid.” It was very clever, loads of fun, and I’d recommend it if you need something to brighten your mood.
Thank you to my Patrons: Filipe, Dave, Katrin, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Melissa, Derek, Tonya, Betsy, Mike, and Jen! <3
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
[3.5/5 stars] Okay I’ll admit it… I read a Pratchett and liked it.
I’ve long lumped Pratchett in with Piers Anthony and Douglas Adams as the type of over-the-top humor writers or stories that are just too ridiculous for me to enjoy. I just assumed I wouldn’t like his works… I’m glad I was wrong.
I realize this is like the 30-something book in the Discworld Saga and I read it considerably out of order. I normally balk at even the idea of breaking continuity like that. But the subject-matter of a low-stakes fantasy where a convicted criminal is put in charge of a run-down postal office appealed to me considerably.
And you know what? I actually thought it was funny.
I tend to prefer dry humor, but in this case the humor worked for me because the jokes and situations were CLEVER. Very intelligently written and prevalent enough to keep me feeling a bubbling fondness for the book the entire way through. I feel like I had to work to get some of the jokes (in a good way) and that subtly somehow made them funnier. I had such a good time with this book that I plan to read more from Pratchett at some point.
The last 20% of Going Postal lost me a little, as it became more about (I imagine) bigger-picture series conflicts than just the post office drama, but that didn’t bother me too much. One thing I liked while reading was how many random “moments” occurred with what I can only guess as cameos from characters from other books in the series. I got the sense everything weaved together, and I truly love stuff like that in series. It makes me want to pick up more books to learn more about everyone.
Overall, I held out for such a long time, but I’m glad a weird impulse drove me to pick up Going Postal on a whim. It was truly delightful, and I am now a Pratchett believer.
Recommendations: if like me you’ve been hesitating to read Pratchett because Discworld seems too ridiculous, I can assure you that at least this one book never falls over the edge into “downright stupid.” It was very clever, loads of fun, and I’d recommend it if you need something to brighten your mood.
Thank you to my Patrons: Filipe, Dave, Katrin, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Melissa, Derek, Tonya, Betsy, Mike, and Jen! <3
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
June 26, 2025
Another really great Discworld ride, and I think I appreciated this the most (so far) in the themes it explored and the complexity of ways in which they reflected in the narrative. I don't remember where I saw that this is about how neoliberalism is all evil and so that's why I decided to jump on it! And it didn't disappoint me on that theme.
I know that Thatcherism and privatisation was horrifying in the UK and I don't have time to go into a research hole on the state of Royal Mail, but I really liked how the topic was done. It was a very clear examination of the cost-cutting and dehumanizing of labor that free market 'enthusiasts', Milton Friedman-pilled, libertarian wankers tend to do, often with murderous consequences that are very hard to quantify (most of the time, but sometimes, very overtly deadly, like with the Grenfell Tower fire). FFS, I hate these assholes, we just had the leader of one of the governing parties in Romania urge his newly-appointed ministers to get in there with a chainsaw (Criminally ridiculous & ignorant).
And so, the choice of having Moist von Lipwig (a great name in a book with the best Pratchett names so far - like Saccharissa and Adorabelle Dearheart etc etc) be a con-man became vital to it! I don't like con-men as main characters, but over here it really worked for me. It blends well with the idea of the consequences of your actions - like what all of the neoliberal cost-cutting in order to suck the toes of your shareholders tends to do. The consequences are far-reaching, but really difficult to quantify, because the guilt is spread out and about 50 levels in the organization hierarchy removed from the pain and suffering. Like with oil executives, for instance, they have caused probably millions of indirect deaths, but they never have to pay for it.
And so it was really lovely to have Moist challenged by Mr. Pump - Moist having an image of himself where he didn't do that much wrong in his conning, just fooling rich or 'dumb' people. Meanwhile Mr. Pump is like: by my calculations, you've killed about two-point-something people, actually.
And then there's Moist's personal philosophy of moving so fast which reminded me so much of 'tech disruptors', like 'move fast and break things', which basically is: just do what you want and don't think about the circumstances. Moist always promises and then scrambles to find a way to deliver, which is no honest way to lead a life. Lucky for him, he becomes the new postmaster and somehow stumbles into responsibility to the community, building trust and other connections and it's all really sweet and fun and funny. Shoutout to Adorabelle Dearheart, his love interest, who, of course, is not a sweet lady, but she is the only one who calls him out on his bullshit. That's always a nice dynamic to read, when done right.
The one thing that really bothered me was the fatphobia, again present twice (like in Monstrous Regiment), only here it was kind of a lot worse! So we get another grotesque-style description of a fat person, only then to... I think it might be footnotes in the books? But since I've only listened to these, I experience it as a Bill Nighy. So after the grotesque description of a capitalist (doing the cliche - fat = greedy trope), Bill Nighy pops in to say that we should not let appearances deceive us, only for him (still Bill Nighy, I am committed to the bit!) to undercut this by making a bunch of other ill-humored lil jokes, including one about a transvestite. So yeah, urgh, no! And the other grotesque description was about a... simple nurse, which ok (I am all for critiquing medicine and how it's done, but that wasn't the goal that much here).
There are more things to say, but these are the most important and they will be enough. Glad I'm slowly doing the Discworld tour.
I know that Thatcherism and privatisation was horrifying in the UK and I don't have time to go into a research hole on the state of Royal Mail, but I really liked how the topic was done. It was a very clear examination of the cost-cutting and dehumanizing of labor that free market 'enthusiasts', Milton Friedman-pilled, libertarian wankers tend to do, often with murderous consequences that are very hard to quantify (most of the time, but sometimes, very overtly deadly, like with the Grenfell Tower fire). FFS, I hate these assholes, we just had the leader of one of the governing parties in Romania urge his newly-appointed ministers to get in there with a chainsaw (Criminally ridiculous & ignorant).
And so, the choice of having Moist von Lipwig (a great name in a book with the best Pratchett names so far - like Saccharissa and Adorabelle Dearheart etc etc) be a con-man became vital to it! I don't like con-men as main characters, but over here it really worked for me. It blends well with the idea of the consequences of your actions - like what all of the neoliberal cost-cutting in order to suck the toes of your shareholders tends to do. The consequences are far-reaching, but really difficult to quantify, because the guilt is spread out and about 50 levels in the organization hierarchy removed from the pain and suffering. Like with oil executives, for instance, they have caused probably millions of indirect deaths, but they never have to pay for it.
And so it was really lovely to have Moist challenged by Mr. Pump - Moist having an image of himself where he didn't do that much wrong in his conning, just fooling rich or 'dumb' people. Meanwhile Mr. Pump is like: by my calculations, you've killed about two-point-something people, actually.
And then there's Moist's personal philosophy of moving so fast which reminded me so much of 'tech disruptors', like 'move fast and break things', which basically is: just do what you want and don't think about the circumstances. Moist always promises and then scrambles to find a way to deliver, which is no honest way to lead a life. Lucky for him, he becomes the new postmaster and somehow stumbles into responsibility to the community, building trust and other connections and it's all really sweet and fun and funny. Shoutout to Adorabelle Dearheart, his love interest, who, of course, is not a sweet lady, but she is the only one who calls him out on his bullshit. That's always a nice dynamic to read, when done right.
The one thing that really bothered me was the fatphobia, again present twice (like in Monstrous Regiment), only here it was kind of a lot worse! So we get another grotesque-style description of a fat person, only then to... I think it might be footnotes in the books? But since I've only listened to these, I experience it as a Bill Nighy. So after the grotesque description of a capitalist (doing the cliche - fat = greedy trope), Bill Nighy pops in to say that we should not let appearances deceive us, only for him (still Bill Nighy, I am committed to the bit!) to undercut this by making a bunch of other ill-humored lil jokes, including one about a transvestite. So yeah, urgh, no! And the other grotesque description was about a... simple nurse, which ok (I am all for critiquing medicine and how it's done, but that wasn't the goal that much here).
There are more things to say, but these are the most important and they will be enough. Glad I'm slowly doing the Discworld tour.
June 29, 2025
The 33rd in my re-read of the entire Discworld series introduces us to master scoundrel Moist van Lipwig.
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this 33rd book (in chronological order) are:
Moist van Lipwig has not have had a good time lately. He was a conman with absolutely undistinguished features and things were going rather well ... until they didn't. It is thus that he finds himself in a cell at the beginning of this book, awaiting execution by hanging. And that is exactly what's happening. He is hung ... to within an inch of his life. If there is one thing on the Disc you can count on, it's that things are to be taken literal. *chuckles*
You see, the Patrician, Lord Havlock Vetinari, has a job for Moist: be Postmaster. Funny thing: the Patrician never mentioned Moist had to be good at the job, but that is exactly what's happening. Soon, Moist takes on the damned Clacks (and boy, is there a revelation and a half) as well as some "businessman" with too many ambitions, all while employing golems - other peoples' opinions be damned. He even comes to love his quirky staff!
I'm not a fan of the industrial evolution on the Disc but I always loved this book for the life Sir Terry gave letters. There IS something romantic and downright alive about the written word and none of the modern forms of communication can compare to letters!
However, there's more as we also get the Discworld version of the "ghost in the machine" - something that always brings tears to my eyes.
And isn't it just eerie how timely this book is, now that so many governments are trying to blame "lazy workers" for the bad state of their respective economies?! I wish the solution in our world was as easy as Moist taking over the Post Office and Pump19 delivering unbeatable arguments for his boss. *sighs*
There is so much comfort in reading these books. No matter when they were written, they are always timely and full of hope.
Richard Coyle was as wonderful with the audiobooks as he was in this role in the mini series adaptation (which, sadly, was not THAT good).
This review is dedicated to Mr. Tiddles.
One reason why I decided to re-read the series is that I can never just indulge in one of the volumes. The other is that the audiobooks were newly produced and the casts looked amazing.
Reading this 33rd book (in chronological order) are:
Moist van Lipwig has not have had a good time lately. He was a conman with absolutely undistinguished features and things were going rather well ... until they didn't. It is thus that he finds himself in a cell at the beginning of this book, awaiting execution by hanging. And that is exactly what's happening. He is hung ... to within an inch of his life. If there is one thing on the Disc you can count on, it's that things are to be taken literal. *chuckles*
You see, the Patrician, Lord Havlock Vetinari, has a job for Moist: be Postmaster. Funny thing: the Patrician never mentioned Moist had to be good at the job, but that is exactly what's happening. Soon, Moist takes on the damned Clacks (and boy, is there a revelation and a half) as well as some "businessman" with too many ambitions, all while employing golems - other peoples' opinions be damned. He even comes to love his quirky staff!
I'm not a fan of the industrial evolution on the Disc but I always loved this book for the life Sir Terry gave letters. There IS something romantic and downright alive about the written word and none of the modern forms of communication can compare to letters!
However, there's more as we also get the Discworld version of the "ghost in the machine" - something that always brings tears to my eyes.
And isn't it just eerie how timely this book is, now that so many governments are trying to blame "lazy workers" for the bad state of their respective economies?! I wish the solution in our world was as easy as Moist taking over the Post Office and Pump19 delivering unbeatable arguments for his boss. *sighs*
There is so much comfort in reading these books. No matter when they were written, they are always timely and full of hope.
Richard Coyle was as wonderful with the audiobooks as he was in this role in the mini series adaptation (which, sadly, was not THAT good).
This review is dedicated to Mr. Tiddles.
June 6, 2007
I picked up this book to read on a 15 hour flight from Chicago to Vietnam, on the assumption that it would be a light, pleasant way to pass the dreary hours (after one flight to China during which I watched the first X-Men film three times, I decided it was best to err on the side of having too many books rather than too few).
My assumptions proved correct, and I enjoyed the book quite thoroughly. Three things struck me:
1) Pratchett's use of language is always fun, and he occasionally makes wonderful jokes that can't be read aloud with the same effect, like the store owner who turns up whose speech suffers from greengrocer's apostrophes.
2) Pratchett typically writes in a third person limited point of view, but he's extremely good at getting inside the heads of his characters and changing the voice up. The unfortunately named Moist has his own clear-eyed perspective on the world that differs from the other denizens of Discworld.
3) He manages to weave in quite a bit of history about the postal service. I wouldn't have considered it to be an interesting topic for inquiry (I mean, come on; post offices mostly exist to aggrivate people who hate standing in queues, right?) but I was wrong.
Best vocabulary word gleaned from the text: "frank", meaning to stamp something.
My assumptions proved correct, and I enjoyed the book quite thoroughly. Three things struck me:
1) Pratchett's use of language is always fun, and he occasionally makes wonderful jokes that can't be read aloud with the same effect, like the store owner who turns up whose speech suffers from greengrocer's apostrophes.
2) Pratchett typically writes in a third person limited point of view, but he's extremely good at getting inside the heads of his characters and changing the voice up. The unfortunately named Moist has his own clear-eyed perspective on the world that differs from the other denizens of Discworld.
3) He manages to weave in quite a bit of history about the postal service. I wouldn't have considered it to be an interesting topic for inquiry (I mean, come on; post offices mostly exist to aggrivate people who hate standing in queues, right?) but I was wrong.
Best vocabulary word gleaned from the text: "frank", meaning to stamp something.
March 1, 2018
Still my favorite Discworld book of all time
April 15, 2024
Це одна із найкращих книг, які я читала у Пратчетта.
Пройдисвіт Мокр фон Губперук отримує “другий” шанс на життя, але за умови, що він буде працювати та відновлювати Поштамт Анк-Моркпорку. І з цього починається найцікавіше — головний герой фактично перенаправляє всі свої здібності, таланти та набуті навички шахрайства у, можна сказати, добру справу.
Історія дуже динамічна, кожний день — це якась добротна кількість викликів та клопотів для Мокра, читала до кінця затамувавши подих (і місця посміюючись) та з цікавістю, як же він виплутається з цього всього.
Ця книга, як і всі інші Пратчетта, наповнена іронією, добрим та в той же час саркастичним гумором, алюзіями, висміюваннями стереотипів, різними посиланнями на культуру, історію, політику та загалом суспільство. А легка романтична лінія нікому ніколи не завадить. Кожний раз я дивуюсь, наскільки треба було мати гострий розум, щоб створити Дискосвіт та написати стільки книжок🧙🏻♂️
Пройдисвіт Мокр фон Губперук отримує “другий” шанс на життя, але за умови, що він буде працювати та відновлювати Поштамт Анк-Моркпорку. І з цього починається найцікавіше — головний герой фактично перенаправляє всі свої здібності, таланти та набуті навички шахрайства у, можна сказати, добру справу.
Історія дуже динамічна, кожний день — це якась добротна кількість викликів та клопотів для Мокра, читала до кінця затамувавши подих (і місця посміюючись) та з цікавістю, як же він виплутається з цього всього.
Ця книга, як і всі інші Пратчетта, наповнена іронією, добрим та в той же час саркастичним гумором, алюзіями, висміюваннями стереотипів, різними посиланнями на культуру, історію, політику та загалом суспільство. А легка романтична лінія нікому ніколи не завадить. Кожний раз я дивуюсь, наскільки треба було мати гострий розум, щоб створити Дискосвіт та написати стільки книжок🧙🏻♂️
October 9, 2020
Що ж, любі друзі, це одна з найкращих книжок Дискосвіту. А з певного погляду взагалі найкраща.
April 23, 2017
Otras reseñas de Mundodisco en mi blog.
«Cartas en el asunto» es la novela número 33 de la hilarante saga de Mundodisco; uno pensaría que a esta altura al gran Terry Pratchett no se le podrían ocurrir más personajes y que la calidad de la saga podía disminuir, pero con este libro demostró que todavía le quedaban excelentes ideas para rato.
Esta novela da comienzo a una nueva saga que lamentablemente Terry no pudo terminar; presentó un nuevo arco argumental iba a estar protagonizado por Húmedo Von Mustachen, un estafador que es... ejem, amablemente persuadido por Lord Vetinari para poner su gran habilidad para el engaño y las estafas al servicio del estado, y por lo tanto iba a servir como parodia de los servicios públicos. Lamentablemente, Pratchett solo pudo escribir una novela más protagonizada por Húmedo Von Mustachen antes de morir y por esta razón todos estos nuevos personajes no son tan reconocidos como los demás.
Lo primero que me llamó la atención de este libro es que, a diferencia de otras novelas de Mundodisco, está dividida en capítulos. Cada capítulo tiene una especie de enumeración de los sucesos más importantes que se desarrollarán más adelante, aunque sin ningún spoiler significativo.
El título original de esta descacharrante novela es Going Postal, una expresión idiomática que en inglés significa «volverse loco» o «perder la cabeza», lo cual resulta sumamente adecuado porque todos los personajes que se encuentra Húmedo Von Mustachen a lo largo del libro están jodidamente locos.
Desde el señor Ardite, un veterano cartero que se mantiene aferrado a las viejas tradiciones (como el ser perseguido por perros, por ejemplo); Stanley, un joven cartero con una afición poco saludable por los alfileres; hasta el antagonista de esta historia: Asidor D'Oropel, un pirata que al igual que Húmedo es un maestro del engaño (de hecho nadie sospecha que es un pirata a pesar de que va por ahí con un loro sobre su hombro todo el tiempo):
«Húmedo había invertido mucho esfuerzo en su profesión y se consideraba un buen practicante de la misma, pero si hubiera llevado puesta su gorra no habría dudado en quitársela. Se encontraba en presencia de un maestro. Lo notó en la mano, lo vio en aquel único ojo lleno de autoridad. De ser distintas las circunstancias, suplicaría humildemente a aquel hombre que lo aceptara como aprendiz, le fregaría los suelos y cocinaría para él solo para sentarse a los pies de la grandeza y aprender a hacer el truco de las tres cartas usando bancos enteros. Si la opinión de Húmedo valía algo, si valía lo más mínimo, entonces el hombre que tenía delante era el farsante más grande que había conocido en su vida. Y encima lo anunciaba a los cuatro vientos. Aquello era... estilo. Los rizos de pirata, el parche del ojo y hasta el maldito loro. Doce y medio por ciento, por todos los dioses, ¿es que nadie lo había pillado? Él les estaba diciendo lo que era y ellos le reían la gracia y lo amaban por ello.»
Como es de esperar, Pratchett no desperdicia ninguna oportunidad para burlarse de todos los clichés y prejuicios que existen en el imaginario colectivo con respecto al mundo del correo: el miedo irracional de los carteros hacia los perros, la absurda función de los sellos postales y la burocracia de las oficinas de correos, por poner algunos ejemplos.
«Cartas en el asunto» es además una excelente sátira del eterno conflicto entre la tecnología y medios de comunicación más tradicionales, lo cual se expresa a través del enfrentamiento entre la decadente oficina de correos de Ankh-Morpork y la corporación de las Torres de clacs, que vienen a ser el equivalente de los correos electrónicos en Mundodisco.
A lo largo del libro Pratchett muestra de diversas formas las diferencias que existen entre un medio de comunicación más frío e impersonal como los clacs, en comparación con las cartas, revindicando las viejas costumbres:
Como siempre, estas reflexiones se esconden dentro de una aventura sumamente divertida, llena de personajes maravillosos, situaciones extremadamente absurdas y paradojas espacio temporales; sin embargo, creo que es un libro recomendable para lectores que ya han experimentado por lo menos alguna otra novela de Mundodisco.
No considero que sea bueno comenzar la saga por este libro porque algunos personajes y tecnologías son presentados de forma más detallada en libros anteriores. Me parece mejor leer (por lo menos) «El Quinto Elefante» o «Regimiento Monstruoso» antes que este libro porque en ellos se presentan las torres de clacs, que juegan un papel central en esta historia.
En resumen, «Cartas en el asunto» es una bocanada de aire fresco para la divertidísima saga de Mundodisco. A través de estos nuevos personajes Pratchett demuestra que todavía le quedaba mucho por contar, es una lástima que solo hayan dos novelas de Húmedo Von Mustachen. Destaco además la excelente traducción que tienen las ediciones "Debols!llo", en este caso el traductor se lució adaptando muchos chistes, nombres de personajes y juegos de palabras que son bastante complicados.
Podés encontrar esta y otras reseñas en mi blog.
«Cartas en el asunto» es la novela número 33 de la hilarante saga de Mundodisco; uno pensaría que a esta altura al gran Terry Pratchett no se le podrían ocurrir más personajes y que la calidad de la saga podía disminuir, pero con este libro demostró que todavía le quedaban excelentes ideas para rato.
Esta novela da comienzo a una nueva saga que lamentablemente Terry no pudo terminar; presentó un nuevo arco argumental iba a estar protagonizado por Húmedo Von Mustachen, un estafador que es... ejem, amablemente persuadido por Lord Vetinari para poner su gran habilidad para el engaño y las estafas al servicio del estado, y por lo tanto iba a servir como parodia de los servicios públicos. Lamentablemente, Pratchett solo pudo escribir una novela más protagonizada por Húmedo Von Mustachen antes de morir y por esta razón todos estos nuevos personajes no son tan reconocidos como los demás.
Lo primero que me llamó la atención de este libro es que, a diferencia de otras novelas de Mundodisco, está dividida en capítulos. Cada capítulo tiene una especie de enumeración de los sucesos más importantes que se desarrollarán más adelante, aunque sin ningún spoiler significativo.
El título original de esta descacharrante novela es Going Postal, una expresión idiomática que en inglés significa «volverse loco» o «perder la cabeza», lo cual resulta sumamente adecuado porque todos los personajes que se encuentra Húmedo Von Mustachen a lo largo del libro están jodidamente locos.
Desde el señor Ardite, un veterano cartero que se mantiene aferrado a las viejas tradiciones (como el ser perseguido por perros, por ejemplo); Stanley, un joven cartero con una afición poco saludable por los alfileres; hasta el antagonista de esta historia: Asidor D'Oropel, un pirata que al igual que Húmedo es un maestro del engaño (de hecho nadie sospecha que es un pirata a pesar de que va por ahí con un loro sobre su hombro todo el tiempo):
«Húmedo había invertido mucho esfuerzo en su profesión y se consideraba un buen practicante de la misma, pero si hubiera llevado puesta su gorra no habría dudado en quitársela. Se encontraba en presencia de un maestro. Lo notó en la mano, lo vio en aquel único ojo lleno de autoridad. De ser distintas las circunstancias, suplicaría humildemente a aquel hombre que lo aceptara como aprendiz, le fregaría los suelos y cocinaría para él solo para sentarse a los pies de la grandeza y aprender a hacer el truco de las tres cartas usando bancos enteros. Si la opinión de Húmedo valía algo, si valía lo más mínimo, entonces el hombre que tenía delante era el farsante más grande que había conocido en su vida. Y encima lo anunciaba a los cuatro vientos. Aquello era... estilo. Los rizos de pirata, el parche del ojo y hasta el maldito loro. Doce y medio por ciento, por todos los dioses, ¿es que nadie lo había pillado? Él les estaba diciendo lo que era y ellos le reían la gracia y lo amaban por ello.»
Como es de esperar, Pratchett no desperdicia ninguna oportunidad para burlarse de todos los clichés y prejuicios que existen en el imaginario colectivo con respecto al mundo del correo: el miedo irracional de los carteros hacia los perros, la absurda función de los sellos postales y la burocracia de las oficinas de correos, por poner algunos ejemplos.
«Cartas en el asunto» es además una excelente sátira del eterno conflicto entre la tecnología y medios de comunicación más tradicionales, lo cual se expresa a través del enfrentamiento entre la decadente oficina de correos de Ankh-Morpork y la corporación de las Torres de clacs, que vienen a ser el equivalente de los correos electrónicos en Mundodisco.
A lo largo del libro Pratchett muestra de diversas formas las diferencias que existen entre un medio de comunicación más frío e impersonal como los clacs, en comparación con las cartas, revindicando las viejas costumbres:
«—Se me ocurre que ahora tenemos los clacs.
—¿Los clacs? —replicó Húmedo—. Yo le diría que los clacs son maravillosos si se quiere conocer los valores del mercado de gambas de Genua. Pero ¿acaso puede usted escribir S.C.U.B.A. en un clac? ¿Puede sellarla con un beso amoroso? ¿Puede derramar lágrimas sobre un clac, puede olerlo, puede incluirle una flor prensada? Una carta es más que un simple mensaje. En todo caso, los clacs son tan caros que el hombre medio de la calle solo puede permitírselos en momentos críticos: ABUELO MUERTO FUNERAL MARTES. ¿El salario de un día de trabajo para mandar un mensaje que es tan cálido y humano como lanzar un cuchillo? Las cartas, en cambio, son reales.»
Como siempre, estas reflexiones se esconden dentro de una aventura sumamente divertida, llena de personajes maravillosos, situaciones extremadamente absurdas y paradojas espacio temporales; sin embargo, creo que es un libro recomendable para lectores que ya han experimentado por lo menos alguna otra novela de Mundodisco.
No considero que sea bueno comenzar la saga por este libro porque algunos personajes y tecnologías son presentados de forma más detallada en libros anteriores. Me parece mejor leer (por lo menos) «El Quinto Elefante» o «Regimiento Monstruoso» antes que este libro porque en ellos se presentan las torres de clacs, que juegan un papel central en esta historia.
En resumen, «Cartas en el asunto» es una bocanada de aire fresco para la divertidísima saga de Mundodisco. A través de estos nuevos personajes Pratchett demuestra que todavía le quedaba mucho por contar, es una lástima que solo hayan dos novelas de Húmedo Von Mustachen. Destaco además la excelente traducción que tienen las ediciones "Debols!llo", en este caso el traductor se lució adaptando muchos chistes, nombres de personajes y juegos de palabras que son bastante complicados.
Podés encontrar esta y otras reseñas en mi blog.
March 28, 2024
Тіко Пратчетт може змішати магію, інтригу, сатиру та фінансові махінації в одній каструлі і зварити шедевр. Лорд Ветинарі❤️
December 31, 2007
I am probably the last person on earth to read Terry Pratchett, but I'm glad I finally did. People have been recommending his books to me for years and although I had planned on starting with book 1, Color of Magic, the bookseller recommended I start with Going Postal instead (they were also out of stock of CoM). Every time I picked this book up I laughed out loud, it has a refreshing wit combined with a sharp perception of people and their funny habits. I ate this book up and bought copy of "Guards, Guards" before I finished. What's your favorite Terry Pratchett?
June 25, 2020
Ну всьо, Ветінарі мій ледь не найулюбленіший персонаж 🤣 шахіст жеж!
October 7, 2022
3.5 stars
I envy people who love Pratchett’s work. A huge oeuvre of loosely-connected books, lighthearted without being frivolous, and a huge fanbase to discuss them with? What a fun thing to love. Sadly, I don’t—and this is my third attempt, the first two, naturally, being the first two Witches books. In all cases I’ve found them mildly entertaining, no serious complaints, but I’m never emotionally invested and sometimes slightly bored, and then I forget them soon after.
This book has a lot of fun and promising elements: a condemned scam artist is forced to try to revive a defunct postal service, and undergoes a redemption arc as he becomes the underdog facing off against a nefarious telegraph(?) company, and there’s a lot of poking fun at government bureaucracy and outright filleting of corporations. The social commentary is on-point, the characters are vivid and well-drawn if sometimes over-the-top, the political leader actually seems good at this, and the humor is, uh, amusing? I think my sense of humor may just not fully jive with Pratchett’s—sure, there were a couple of laugh-out-loud moments and other bits I registered as humorous, but that’s on par with my experience of plenty of books that don’t have humor as their primary shtick. Unfortunately, novels that put humor before all else never seem to do better than mildly successful for me. Also it had been awhile since I’d read a novel containing only one woman of any significance, and she’s the tacked-on love interest.
Not at all a bad book, I think in fact it’s pretty good for what it is and definitely worthwhile reading for those who enjoy this sort of thing. But I don’t think I’ll be entering the Pratchett fan club anytime soon.
I envy people who love Pratchett’s work. A huge oeuvre of loosely-connected books, lighthearted without being frivolous, and a huge fanbase to discuss them with? What a fun thing to love. Sadly, I don’t—and this is my third attempt, the first two, naturally, being the first two Witches books. In all cases I’ve found them mildly entertaining, no serious complaints, but I’m never emotionally invested and sometimes slightly bored, and then I forget them soon after.
This book has a lot of fun and promising elements: a condemned scam artist is forced to try to revive a defunct postal service, and undergoes a redemption arc as he becomes the underdog facing off against a nefarious telegraph(?) company, and there’s a lot of poking fun at government bureaucracy and outright filleting of corporations. The social commentary is on-point, the characters are vivid and well-drawn if sometimes over-the-top, the political leader actually seems good at this, and the humor is, uh, amusing? I think my sense of humor may just not fully jive with Pratchett’s—sure, there were a couple of laugh-out-loud moments and other bits I registered as humorous, but that’s on par with my experience of plenty of books that don’t have humor as their primary shtick. Unfortunately, novels that put humor before all else never seem to do better than mildly successful for me. Also it had been awhile since I’d read a novel containing only one woman of any significance, and she’s the tacked-on love interest.
Not at all a bad book, I think in fact it’s pretty good for what it is and definitely worthwhile reading for those who enjoy this sort of thing. But I don’t think I’ll be entering the Pratchett fan club anytime soon.
September 26, 2022
Why I always gotta review these five-star Terry Pratchett books???
Unlike with a lot of Pratchett books I give five stars to, I can't really justify this one with much of a deeper meaning. I just had a really good time with it, and the premise and main character really tickled me. Our "hero" is Moist Von Lipwig, a con man and thief who starts the novel being hanged for his crimes. He manages to survive the hanging, and the tyrannical Lord Vetinari offers him a choice, be hanged again, or revive the basically dead Post Office. Surprise, Moist, you are now the Postmaster.
The Post Office is a mess. Letters fill the huge structure from top to bottom, and because it's Discworld, that many letters all together in one place for such a long time (decades!) are making things go funny. The last four Postmasters have ended up dead. There's a THING in the basement.
So Moist, a career criminal and inveterate runner-awayer, now is a public servant and he finds himself . . . liking it?
This was one of the funnier Discworld books for me, and I liked the satire of government institutions and corporate greed (here in the form of the Clacks, which as been taken over by a heartless and unscrupulous man named Reacher Gilt, a truly great name). And of course, Moist is a showman, so he can't just revive the Post Office, he has to make a spectacle of it while doing so. It was very entertaining.
Chipping Away at Mt. TBR, July 2022—Book 9/31
Unlike with a lot of Pratchett books I give five stars to, I can't really justify this one with much of a deeper meaning. I just had a really good time with it, and the premise and main character really tickled me. Our "hero" is Moist Von Lipwig, a con man and thief who starts the novel being hanged for his crimes. He manages to survive the hanging, and the tyrannical Lord Vetinari offers him a choice, be hanged again, or revive the basically dead Post Office. Surprise, Moist, you are now the Postmaster.
The Post Office is a mess. Letters fill the huge structure from top to bottom, and because it's Discworld, that many letters all together in one place for such a long time (decades!) are making things go funny. The last four Postmasters have ended up dead. There's a THING in the basement.
So Moist, a career criminal and inveterate runner-awayer, now is a public servant and he finds himself . . . liking it?
This was one of the funnier Discworld books for me, and I liked the satire of government institutions and corporate greed (here in the form of the Clacks, which as been taken over by a heartless and unscrupulous man named Reacher Gilt, a truly great name). And of course, Moist is a showman, so he can't just revive the Post Office, he has to make a spectacle of it while doing so. It was very entertaining.
Chipping Away at Mt. TBR, July 2022—Book 9/31
May 7, 2022
I struggled to get into this Discworld novel. I've been enjoying the Tiffany Aching series and this is so different that I found myself floundering, trying to find the commonalities. I had to push myself to get to about the 150 page mark, but once I made it there, it felt less like wading through molasses.
Finally, I was seeing the social commentary that I have come to expect from Sir Terry. Laughing at the amount of work that con men like Moist von Lipwig are willing to put in to avoid work. Giggling when the greedy businessmen get taken by a Ponzi scheme. Snorting at the silliness of the Igors, the cynicism of Adora Belle Dearheart, the fanatic collector Stanley, among others. Some of them resembling people that I recognize from my own history.
I frequently find written humour to be a bit opaque, but this was accessible even to the humour-handicapped like me. Probably an audiobook would be the best way for me to appreciate Pratchett's books, but I haven't mastered that medium yet.
Book Number 454 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
Finally, I was seeing the social commentary that I have come to expect from Sir Terry. Laughing at the amount of work that con men like Moist von Lipwig are willing to put in to avoid work. Giggling when the greedy businessmen get taken by a Ponzi scheme. Snorting at the silliness of the Igors, the cynicism of Adora Belle Dearheart, the fanatic collector Stanley, among others. Some of them resembling people that I recognize from my own history.
I frequently find written humour to be a bit opaque, but this was accessible even to the humour-handicapped like me. Probably an audiobook would be the best way for me to appreciate Pratchett's books, but I haven't mastered that medium yet.
Book Number 454 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
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