The Truth

“The Truth Shall Make Ye Fret” indeed! I think the most surprising part of this particular Discworld book was how tightly plotted it felt. I'm quite happy to meander along humorous asides and parallel stories in Pratchett's Discworld series, but this felt a lot more absorbing than anything outside the ones where Vimes' pursuit of the truth rules the narrative, for all that the cast was filled with both brand new characters as well as familiar favourites. The pros and cons of ‘freedom of the press' and journalistic ethics are debated alongside colourful expansions on grimmer realities: homelessness and privilege, specisim/racism, political corruption, criminals of various stripes that have the potential for redemption, and may or may not seize it. And I cannot resist, once again, expressing my love for the collector's edition cover. The image! The gilding! The colours!

Reread review: Even better the second time. 
Sharp satire that never forgets to be understanding about humanity's flaws, and their potential for growth. 
Fantastical shenanigans certainly, but between William de Worde's epiphanies and Mr Pin and Mr Tulip's final reewards, this one hits hard between the laughs. 
Undoubtedly this particular Discworld book ranks high in my affection because it has a decent amount of Vimes sprinkled in, and the tone of the confrontations between him and de Worde show the character of both men admirably. 
Side note: It tickles me how often Vetinari ends up in the damsel in distress role in some fashion in the Discworld  series overall given his fearsome reputation. 
I think Terry had his heart in the right place including all manner of people and other beings in this story and his picture of the grand city of Ankh-Morpork, but given its original publication date of 2000, it's not surprising that the characterization of the homeless group including a disabled man and various people with glibly described or undiagnosed mental illness played for laughs feels insensitive nearly a quarter of a century later.