The Truth
Score Modern
What it's about
William de Worde accidentally becomes editor of Ankh-Morpork's first newspaper, with reporter Sacharissa Cripslock, a band of axe-wielding dwarf printers and a recovering vampire photographer. Soon he's investigating a plot against the city's ruler, Lord Vetinari, and learning that the news is a dangerous business, especially when people would rather not know the truth.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the BBC's Big Read. It's a sharp, funny satire of journalism and the press that feels more relevant every year.
You'll love it if you liked
Men at Arms, Small Gods or Night Watch
Good to know
It's a Discworld book that stands alone, a good place to start.
Quick answers
Is The Truth worth reading?
Yes. It's on the BBC's Big Read. It ranks #538 of the 2,819 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 77.9 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Truth about?
William de Worde accidentally becomes editor of Ankh-Morpork's first newspaper, with reporter Sacharissa Cripslock, a band of axe-wielding dwarf printers and a recovering vampire photographer. Soon he's investigating a plot against the city's ruler, Lord Vetinari, and learning that the news is a dangerous business, especially when people would rather not know the truth.
How long does it take to read The Truth?
About 11 hours (448 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Truth?
If you liked it, try Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett, Small Gods by Terry Pratchett or Night Watch by Terry Pratchett.
By the numbers
- Readers96 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller44 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
On the BBC's The Big Read list.
Where it ranks
- #7 of the 35 humor books we rank
- #68 of the 461 fantasy books we rank
- #273 of the 1,575 modern books we rank
- #538 of the 2,819 books we rank
On the lists
- BBC's The Big Read
Reads as
Funny, Adventurous, Uplifting
More by Terry Pratchett
Guards! Guards!
Going Postal
