Going Postal: An Apt Read For Our Time

It's been a while since I've posted a review here, but this book has been itching at me since I read it.

Going Postal is a book by Terry Pratchett, famed author of the Discworld series, a group of sometimes interconnected fantasy stories taking place on a unique and clearly farcical world. I bring up farce, because his stories, the ones I've read at least, are just that, buffooneries that simulataneously don't take things too seriously while striking effective jabs at modern political and social norms.

In the story, Moist Von Lipwig is a notorious conman who is caught, hanged within an inch of his life, then put in charge of the long abandoned post office as a consequence/second chance. Although he is constantly trying to figure out how to escape, he ends up restoring it enough to put him at odds with Richard Gilt who runs the only other communications system in town and is willing to kill to keep it that way.

The story has been itching at me for several reasons, but I'll start with the characters. Moist is perhaps one of the most lovable con men I've ever had the chance to read. He's a dynamic character who is always looking for that gamble that will take him over the edge. He's great at reading people and great at thinking on his feet. His actions excite you even if not all of them are perfect and some are morally questionable.

In contrast, Richard Gilt is also a con man. But where Moist truly has a desire to never hurt people and has limits to what he will do, Gilt has no such qualms and will off anyone in the name of money and business be they rivals or compatriots. He is smart and smooth, not easily riled nor taken in. But whereas Moist learns to value other people and shift his talent away from selfishness and towards others, Gilt only doubles down. As an aspiring writer, I was awed by the perfect contrast between our hero and the villain, how close they are in character, but for a few important differences. Moist even declares at one point that his goal is to prove that he is NOT Richard Gilt.

The remaining characters are mostly one dimensional support characters who help Moist along in either plot or character ways, but they are written so well you love them. The whole book is filled with humorous barbs at collecting, politics, business, bad habits, obsessions, magic, knowledge, restaurants, class, that one stern old lady teacher you back in elementary school, and more. The plot is tight and internally consistent even as it's filled with hijinks and improbable situations. There's a lot to learn as both a reader and a writer.

And there's a lot to learn as a human being.

How can we prove we're not Richard Gilt?

How, when looking at two people or two groups, can we sort out who is Richard Gilt and who is Moist Von Lipwig? Out of all the actors in the stages of our lives, whether it be the upcoming election, wars abroad or wars at home, who are those in power who are in it for themselves and who are in it for themselves and no one else. Who places limits on the lies they tell? Who is willing to kill, physically or metaphorically, to maintain their position or their ego?

It's a hard line to walk and each of them says "Trust me." It was hard to escape this idea while reading this book and that's why I believe you should read it. Read it now if you can, but if not read it soon. Anyone can make the front page, but not everyone builds as they go instead of tearing down. I know it's not that simple, but it's a good start.