Terry Prachett is from the UK, and published his first Discworld novel in 1983. The last book (Making Money) was published in 2007. In 'Making Money' we re-visit a character from a previous book. Moist von Lipwig was a crook, a thief, then he was caught and sentenced to hang for his crimes, but when he is hung he drops through the trap door into a new life. Lord Vetinari, the ruler of Ankh-Morpork decides to give Moist a new identity, and at the same time a second chance. He appoints Moist head of the crumbling and disorganized post office (read abut this in 'Going Postal') at first reluctant Moist soon rises to the challenge. Before long the Post office is running smoothly, and Vetinari thinks Moist needs a new task.
So he proposes to Moist that he become chief of Ankh-Morpork's royal mint. Before Moist can make up his mind he is swept into the mystery and obeseness of the bank.
"Who would not wish to be in charge of Ankh-Morpork's royal mint and the bank next door? It's a job for life but as former con-man Moist von Lipwig is learning, life is not necessarily for long. The chief cashier is almost certainly a vampire. There's something nameless in the cellar (the cellar itself is pretty nameless)..... A lot of people want him dead. Oh and everyday he has to take the chairman for walkies."
This book is full of funny, witty characters, and their antics. The chairman of the bank is a dog, Moist has former criminals on his tail, an old family want their bank back, and he's trying to introduce paper money just as all the gold stored in the bank goes missing. Fast paced and fun this is not a book to miss.
'As bright and shiny as a newly minted coin; clever, engaging and laugh-out-load funny'
The Times
What an excellent and informative blog, Inez! I found your information about Moist's past life in previous work very interesting. Moreover, you give me a good sense of the sort of 'witty' genre of fantasy this writer produces. I'd interested to know what your favourite moment in the book is and what aspects of Pratchett's style (apart from the humour) taht you like.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite moments would have to be, when Moist's girlfriend comes back from a trip to find him managing the bank, but she doesn't know that the chairman is a dog.
ReplyDelete" 'Oh yes. The chairman is a great friend of mine', said Moist.
'He is, is he'?
'He certainly is' said Moist. 'why only this morning he licked my face!'
Adora Bella stopped and turned to stare at him.
'Really?' she said. ' well its just as well i got back when I did'."
As for Terry Pratchett's style I like that although the world he writes about is very different to ours, he makes subtle connections to history and things that have happened in real life.