Terry Pratchett’s The Truth, a humorous urban fantasy novel, tells the story of William de Worde. William finds himself at the centre of Ankh-Morpork politics when he accidentally publishes a newspaper.
The Truth is set in the fictional city of Ankh-Morpork, which is central to Pratchett’s Discworld series. Although Ankh-Morpork does not have a prime minister or president, Lord Vetinari takes a firm hand in running the city through a harsh set of laws. William de Worde is the unintentional publisher of a newspaper whose stories reveal the seedy underbelly of his beloved city.
With the help of his newfound employees, the hardy dwarf Gaspode and the ingenious Errol, William delves into the secrets of Ankh-Morpork. Although William has a talent for uncovering information, he must use his journalistic talent carefully; Lord Vetinari’s intelligence network is tirelessly seeking out any journalist that upsets his careful balance of power.
Meanwhile, many Ankh-Morpork inhabitants are trying to take advantage of William’s news stories. On the one hand, brothers Gunilla and Otto Goudbrass are manipulating the political process in order to strengthen their claim to the throne, while on the other hand, embattled Commander Vimes of Weaponry requires William’s help to find the parties responsible for a certain political assassination.
In the end, William relies on sheer luck and some well-timed inspiration to discover the truth. He manages to not only uncover a devious plot to overthrow Lord Vetinari, but also to reignite a long-lost dynastic assension. By the conclusion of the book, William has worked his way into the heart of Ankh-Morpork politics and has revealed the truth of Lord Vetinari's rule.
The Truth by Terry Pratchett is a humorous adventure into the city of Ankh-Morpork, a wild and lawless place filled with secrets and intrigue. Pratchett’s witty writing style and vivid characters bring the city to life and keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the story unfolds. The ending of the novel is triumphant and satisfying, providing a glimpse into the larger Discworld universe and its many wonders.
For any reader looking for an entertaining read filled with characters and themes that are both comic and thoughtful, The Truth by Terry Pratchett is sure to please.
