Title: Jingo
Author: Terry Pratchett
First published January 1, 1997
461 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780552154161 (ISBN10: 0552154164)
Rating: 4.17
Overview
Another day in Ankh-Morpork, and suddenly there’s a new island on the Discworld. But with the new land comes old conflicts, and Commander Vimes of the City Watch has to navigate politics and war to keep the peace.
Unfortunately, he’s facing enemies on all sides, including the ones on his own team. As the armies amass and the tensions rise, Vimes must find a way to stop the impending war before it’s too late.
With unlikely allies and even stranger foes – including warriors, fishermen, and one particularly flamboyant camp follower – Vimes has his work cut out for him. But if anyone can save the Discworld from destruction, it’s the City Watch.
About the Author
Sir Terry Pratchett was born Terence David John Pratchett. He sold his first story at the age of thirteen, which earned him enough money to buy a second-hand typewriter.
His first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971 by Colin Smythe.
Terry worked as a journalist and press officer for many years while writing in his spare time. In 1983, he published his first Discworld novel.
He turned to writing full-time in 1987.
The Discworld series has over 40 books, including four written for children. The first of these, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, won the Carnegie Medal.
In 1990, Good Omens, his collaboration with Neil Gaiman, was published and has been a bestseller ever since.
In 2008, Harper Children’s published Terry’s standalone non-Discworld young adult novel, Nation. Terry published his final book, The Shepherd’s Crown, in October 2011.
Pratchett is considered one of the most significant contemporary English-language satirists. He has won numerous literary awards, was named an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998, and has received honorary doctorates from several universities for his contribution to Public Service.
In Dec. of 2007, Pratchett disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
On 18 Feb, 2009, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He received the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award in 2010.
Sir Terry Pratchett passed away on 12th March 2015.
Editoral Review
Jingo by Terry Pratchett is a satirical novel that takes place in the Discworld, a flat, circular world that is carried by four elephants riding on the back of a giant turtle. The book was first published on January 1, 1997, and it was the 21st installment in the Discworld series.
Pratchett was an English author who wrote over 70 books in his lifetime, and he is known for his ability to blend humor, fantasy, and social commentary in his writing. Jingo follows the story of two powerful nations, Ankh-Morpork and Klatch, which are on the brink of war.
The novel’s central conflict arises when an island suddenly appears in the middle of the sea between the two nations, and both countries claim it as their own. As tensions rise, Pratchett explores the themes of nationalism, war, and diplomacy while using the Discworld setting to satirize real-world politics and international relations.
The book’s main character is Sam Vimes, the Commander of the City Watch in Ankh-Morpork, who is reluctant to go to war and tries to prevent it from happening. Sam is a complex and well-developed character who struggles with his own prejudices and biases, and he is supported by a diverse cast of secondary characters, including a troll, a werewolf, and a human woman who wants to become a male dwarf.
Pratchett’s writing style is witty, playful, and irreverent, and he uses footnotes and clever wordplay to enhance the reader’s experience. While Jingo is a standalone novel, it is also part of a larger series, and readers who are familiar with the Discworld universe will enjoy the references and easter eggs scattered throughout the book.
At its heart, Jingo is a story about the absurdity of war and the importance of diplomacy and cooperation. Pratchett’s satire is biting but never mean-spirited, and he manages to balance his humor with moments of genuine emotion and insight.
The setting may be fantastical, but the themes and messages of the book are universal and timely. Overall, Jingo is a delightfully entertaining and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy, satire, and political commentary.
While it may not be the best entry point for readers new to the Discworld series, it is a must-read for longtime fans and anyone who appreciates clever and insightful storytelling. The book earns a solid four out of five stars for its well-crafted characters, sharp writing, and timely message.
