The Truth

The Truth (2000) Terry Pratchett

I seem to have developed a somewhat insane relationship with Terry Pratchett novels. I’ll read one, remember how awesome they were, then read a whole bunch more, move onto something else, and then at some point pick up a new novel and put of reading it for months and months, due to some fear that it won’t be as good as I want it to be; as good as all his past novels.

So I’ve had The Truth sitting on my shelves for about six months. (I don’t automatically pre-order Terry Pratchett, so sometimes books slip through the cracks, especially when I’m in the “move onto something else” portion of my Pratchett reading cycle. I took it on both trips with, but never started it. Mostly because I’ve been on a mystery reading jag.

But, I finished up the mystery series I was reading, didn’t have a new mystery that enticed me, and so picked up The Truth.

William de Worde, son of Lord de Worde, makes his living writing gossip letters. Well-to-do individuals want to keep up with the happenings in Ankh-Morpork, and as a literate and unneeded second son, William de Worde found his niche.

However, things change significantly when he runs across some dwarves who are selling cheap printing with a newfangled “movable type” press. Before you know it, the Press has taken over his life, and he ends up mixed-up in a terrible scandal involving Lord Vetenari.

As usual with Pratchett novels, the strength of the book is found in the characters: Otto Chriek–the black ribboner vampire photographer; Sacharissa Cripslock, granddaughter of the engraved William de Worde used before he came across the dwarf printing press; Gunilla Goodmountain, the dwarf with the printing press who wants to turn lead into gold; and Foul Ole Ron and Gaspode, who might change the life of Ankh-Morpork’s lowest class.

Although William de Worde is the titular main character, I think that at times Otto Chreik sneaks front and center and steals the show. And of course we get to spend time time seeing Commander Vimes and some members of the Watch from the outside, which I always find fascinating.

In summary, as usual it’s an excellent Discworld book. It’s also a place where you could start the series if you have not read any previous Discworld books.
Rating: 8/10

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