Book Review: Making Money by Terry Pratchett
36th Discworld Novel Casts Satirical Eye on Banks and Finance
Aug 10, 2008
Terry Pratchett has once again viewed society through his rather warped magnifying glass in Making Money (Random House, 2008), the latest novel in the very popular Discworld Series. Turning his sharp and discerning eye on the financial sector, Pratchett’s amusing characters focus on making, saving, spending and the general attraction of money.
Making Money – the 36th Book in the Discworld Series
Moist von Lipwig (aka conman Albert Spangler) returns, settled into city life as the Postmaster General. After his success in reviving the languishing postal system in Going Postal (Double Day, 2004), Moist in invited by Lord Vetinari, Ankh-Morpork’s resident tyrant, to take on the City Bank. It’s an offer he can’t refuse – literally.
Moist must take on the City Bank and turn it into a profitable venture, something that seems a redundant proposition. Surely the City Bank, home of the City Mint, should be the one place in Ankh-Morpork that has no trouble making money.
Unfortunately, Moist must deal with bank staff more interested in traditions than profit making, a devious and backstabbing family who believe that the bank is their own personal cash reserve and a bank Chairman who is, quite literally, a dog.
Social Satire in Fantasy Form
The world of finance from a Discworld perspective has resulted in a novel that is more social commentary than fantasy. Brief appearances and cameos by favourite characters such as Death, members of the Watch, Cut-My-Own-Throat Dibbler, Ponder Stibbons and a variety of wizards, golems and other characters maintain the Discworld feel, but this novel is primarily satire. Fans of Going Postal and The Truth (Corgi, 2001) will be particularly pleased with this latest addition to the collection.
Pratchett's observational humour readily elicits a smile and at times evokes a laugh out loud response as the foibles and inconsistencies of society are held up for examination.
A Long History of Discworld Success
The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic (Colin Smythe, 1983) started a world-wide phenomenon that has spanned more than 25 years. The concept of an alternate reality where the world is a flat disc moving through space on the backs of four elephants balanced on the back of the giant turtle Great A’Tuin has proven to be extremely popular.
The 36 novels of the series are accompanied by several additional books including Discworld maps, three volumes of The Science of Discworld and several other companion books. Pratchett has also published several non-Discworld novels including Good Omens (Gollancz, 1990) with Terry Gaiman and a series of novels for younger readers. Future projects include the upcoming The Folklore of Discworld and The Wit and Wisdom of Discworld, both due for release in late 2008 by Random House.
Another Fun and Thought-Provoking Discworld Adventure
Despite his enduring popularity, Pratchett’s style is not for everyone. Fans eager for a dose of Discworld silliness may come away a little disappointed as Making Money takes a more satirical approach. While the writing and word play are undoubtably clever and nimble, readers looking for a relaxing escape from reality may also find that the tongue in cheek jests and cleverness become a little wearing after a while.
Despite these minor concerns, fans of Pratchett’s deft handling of the English language will find plenty to enjoy in this latest Discworld novel. Moist’s verbal dexterity and Vetinari’s lethal way with words offers plenty of linguistic entertainment and confirms Pratchett’s reputation as a pre-eminent wordsmith.
Making Money (ISBN: 978-0-55215-490-1, 480 pages)
Related Article: The Turtle Moves: Discworld's Story (Unauthorised) by Lawrence Watt-Evans
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