The Truth by Terry Pratchett

 

The Truth by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Printing comes to Discworld as some inventive Dwarfs set up a printing press in the city and "bump" thanks to an icey stretch of road into William de Worde and they make an impression. William the (kinda black sheep) son of a very wealthy family writes a monthly news sheet for those who can afford $5 but when the Dwarves print him a copy within seconds well why not sell the sheet at a fraction of the price, afterall more people can afford a few pennies that a few pounds. Much to Williams "horror" he is suddenly making money hand over fist, employing paper sellers and writers to fill this new daily news sheet and he and the Times become the focus of events as a conspiracy is underway to throw down the Patrician. More complications arise as the Engravers Guild attempt to run him out of business and a rival newspaper is launched which focusing on more "out there" stories such as silver discs kidnapping people and Lance women giving birth to snakes, strangely this newspaper proves more popular than one trying to present facts and truth.
While The Truth is not part of the Watch subset the crime fighters of the city play their part, the interaction between William and Vimes is excellent and very pleasing to see that criminal elements are learning to deal with a Werewolf copper who William is sure is actually Nobby. The "bad guys" in the form of the New Firm feel a little out of place but then Discworld society is growing and better crime fighting will create better criminals but ultimately they are the tool being wielded but forces in the dark, again very much reflecting our own world and from the get go that aspect of Terry's writing has always appealed.





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