Book Review: Going Postal

Written by Blue Griffith

When a convicted criminal wakes up in the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork's office despite being hanged the day prior, one is sure to have questions. Even more questions arise when that same Patrician offers the criminal a government job, leading to the wacky antics of a swindler trying to uncover the mysteries of the Post Office’s past and escape his fate. The story follows Alfred Spangler, less known as Moist von Lipwig, as he’s forced into running the city of Ankh-Morpork's Post Office, a once bustling building that has fallen into disrepair after the sudden deaths of the previous postmasters and introduction of the ‘clacks system’, a fantastical parallel to cell towers that can send messages far faster than the old Post Office. Not only must Moist navigate the mystery surrounding the decrepit building, but he must navigate a romance with trust keeper Adora Belle Dearheart, as well as take down the corrupt owner of the clacks, Reacher Gilt.

This book was recommended to me by a friend and devoted Pratchett fan, who was sure I’d fall in love with the characters and plot as she had. Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal is an inventive and imaginative story that never fails to delight, entertain, and intrigue its readers with its comical dialogue, vibrant characters, and immersive story. Despite being one in a longstanding series of over forty books, Going Postal remains an accessible story to pick up and even more so to enjoy. 

Pratchett’s writing style is wildly funny and inviting, with unique styles of speech for each character that make them stand out and make the story easy to follow. The book is a lovely read I’d highly recommend, with a plot unafraid to tackle political injustice, characters that keep you reading, and a cat named Tiddles. What more is there to want?