Going Postal

by Terry Pratchett
Going Postal cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Fantasy
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  • ID: 11617
  • Added: 2026-03-11
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9780552167680
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2014-02-13
  • Reviews: 4

Moist von Lipwig, a notorious con artist, is given a choice: hang or revive Ankh-Morpork's ailing postal service. The post is an old institution, overshadowed by new technology, but there are those who still believe in it. Moist must become one of them to ensure the mail gets through, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way./n/nIn this mad world of the mail, Moist encounters the Post Office Workers Friendly and Benevolent Society, the evil chairman of the Grand Trunk Semaphore Company, and a midnight killer. Amidst these trials, he also finds a chance at redemption and perhaps a date with Adora Bell Dearheart.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2026-03-11
astounding 4.40

This novel excels at explaining the intricacies of the Discworld, making it a captivating read. The blend of humor and social commentary is seamlessly woven into the narrative.

This novel is a standout in the Discworld series, offering a delightful mix of humor and social commentary. The way it explains the workings of the Discworld is particularly impressive, making it accessible even to those new to the series. The character development and the satire on bureaucracy and corruption are top-notch, making it a joy to read from start to finish. The reviewer found the novel to be astounding and a great introduction to the Discworld.

Quick quotes

    It does a really good job of explaining the way Discworld works

    All of the characters are well developed and the satire on bureaucracy and corruption is top notch

    An absolutely astounding novel

Books by Proxy · 2020-08-13
joyful 4.50

This madcap tale is a joy to read, filled with absurdity and wit. The exploration of themes like redemption and community adds depth to the humor.

The reviewer found this novel to be a delightful and absurd tale that is a joy to read from beginning to end. The humor and wit are top-notch, and the exploration of themes like redemption and the importance of community adds depth to the story. The character of Moist von Lipwig is particularly well-crafted, making the novel both entertaining and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciated the balance between humor and social commentary, making it a standout in the Discworld series.

Quick quotes

    A madcap tale that delights in absurdity and is nothing short of a joy to read from beginning to end

    The exploration of themes like redemption and the importance of community adds depth to the humor

    The character of Moist von Lipwig is particularly well-crafted

Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2020-01-01
compelling 4.00

The redemption arc of the main character is compelling and well-executed. The setup is great, and the story keeps readers engaged throughout.

Reddit's r/Fantasy community appreciates the setup of 'Going Postal,' which revolves around the redemption of a man sentenced to hang for his crimes. The reviewer finds the story compelling and well-executed, with a great setup that keeps readers engaged. They particularly enjoy the character development and the way the narrative unfolds, making it a satisfying read. The community's discussion highlights the novel's strengths in character arcs and storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The set up, for one, is great.

    The whole thing is about the redemption of a man sentenced to hang for his crimes

    Moist von Lipwig is a character worth following

Occasional Mumbling · 2016-11-01
good 3.57

This novel is a good addition to the Discworld series, though it may not stand out as one of Pratchett's best. The humor and wit are consistent, making it an enjoyable read.

The reviewer found this novel to be a good addition to the Discworld series, though it may not be one of Pratchett's best. The humor and wit are consistent, and the exploration of themes like redemption and the power of words adds depth to the story. The character of Moist von Lipwig is well-developed, making the novel both entertaining and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciated the balance between humor and social commentary, making it a enjoyable read for fans of the series.

Quick quotes

    What it says. I don't think that this stands out as one of Pratchett's best

    On the other hand, not only is even Pratchett's lesser work still pretty good

    The humor and wit are consistent

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