Going Postal[GOIN... by TerryPratchett - Book Book
4.5/5
Category
Rediscovering Community & Innovation: Going Postal by Terry Pratchett Review for Fantasy & Satire Fans
Terry Pratchett, a name synonymous with wit, philosophical depth disguised as playful fantasy, delivers another triumph with *Going Postal*. While often categorized strictly within the fantasy genre, to limit this novel as such feels profoundly reductive. *Going Postal* is a remarkably astute commen...
![Going Postal[GOING POSTAL][Mass Market Paperback]_main_0](https://birthdais.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/birthdais/media/original_images/Going_PostalGOING_POSTALMass_Market_Paperback_main_0_keTttll_7JqvQRK.webp)
Product Gallery
About the Reviewer
Sophie Laurent
Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Creative Writing, Literary Criticism, World Literature
Literary critic for The Guardian and creative writing professor at King's College London. Author of the acclaimed novel "The Silent Orchestra" and regular judge for the Booker Prize.
Related Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Comments
sarcasticReader
Another fantasy novel about a quirky protagonist saving the world. Groundbreaking. 😉 But seriously, I appreciate Pratchett's ability to make even the most mundane tasks feel epic.
BookLover2023
I was thinking about content warnings for this book. Anything readers should be aware of before diving in?
Sophie Laurent
@mike_reads Excellent point! *Going Postal* is, thankfully, quite standalone. It's the 31st book in the *Discworld* series, but Pratchett brilliantly crafted it as an entry point. You absolutely do *not* need prior knowledge of the series to enjoy – and even fall in love with – Moist von Lipwig’s adventures. The *Discworld* books do build a wonderfully rich world, and there are definitely interconnected stories and recurring characters. However, each sub-series within *Discworld* (like the City Watch or the Witches) functions remarkably well on its own. If you adore *Going Postal*, then by all means, exploring more of the series would be a treat. A good next step might be *Guards! Guards!* which introduces Captain Vimes and the City Watch. But truly, you can savor *Going Postal* as a perfectly self-contained piece of literary magic. I often recommend it to readers who are hesitant about committing to a long series – it’s a fantastic introduction!
mom_of_2
Just finished! It was good, but I found the pacing a bit slow in the middle. Did anyone else feel that way?
mike_reads
Is this a standalone book, or is it part of a series? I’m hesitant to start if I’ll be left wanting more without knowing where to continue.
coffee_and_books
OMG this book was SO GOOD!! I literally stayed up all night reading it. Moist von Lipwig is the BEST character ever! 🤩
Gatsby_Fan
The reviewer's point about the novel’s astute commentary on bureaucracy resonates deeply. It feels almost Kafkaesque, albeit with a distinctly Pratchettian lightness of touch. The use of Moist von Lipwig as a vehicle for exploring themes of redemption and societal reform is particularly compelling.
ReadingAddict23
This review is spot on! Pratchett's wit *is* a front for some really profound ideas. I was wondering, have you read his other books? How does *Going Postal* compare to, say, *Guards! Guards!*, in terms of humor and philosophical depth?