The fifth elephant

a novel of Discworld

Book 24 in Discworld

Audiobook

English language

Published May 25, 2023 by Transworld.

'Well, he thought, so this is diplomacy. It’s lying, only for a better class of people.

They say that diplomacy is a gentle art. That mastering it is a lifetime’s work. But you do need a certain inclination in that direction. It’s not something you can just pick up on the job.

A few days ago Sam Vimes was a copper - an important copper, true - chief of police - but still, at his core, a policeman. But today he is an ambassador - to the mysterious, fat-rich country of Uberwald. Today, Sam Vimes is also a man on the run.

At some point during his ambassadorship, things went very wrong. It’s snowing. It’s freezing. And if Vimes can’t make it through the forest, with only his wits and the gloomy trousers of Uncle Vanya (don’t ask), there’s going to be a terrible war.

There …

17 editions

More introspective and paced that Jingo

This book's read, being the fifth entry in the city watch series, I approached fearing a rushed book that was always on the chase, like in Jingo. I was happily surprised by the more personal dimension of the book, albeit still, as the last one, discussing great themes like tradition, different cultures etc..., since I find that's where Pratchett has been shining as an author for me. The only reason I feel I cannot give it five stars is that I would have liked more book in this book, more time for the characters, especially Sybil, and generally a quieter pace for the narrative. Otherwise, as always, it's just a great read I'd totally recommend.

Makes you think

This is book is not full of laugh out loud moments or quick jokes, but rather takes the time to tell a really nice and compelling story with Sam Vimes in a heroic starring role. As always with Pratchett, the book is full of references to our own round world and makes you think about our own behaviour more than once

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Subjects

  • Literature
  • Discworld (Imaginary place)
  • Fiction
  • Samuel Vimes (Fictitious character)
  • Large type books
  • Fiction, fantasy, general
  • Carrot (fictitious character : pratchett), fiction
  • Discworld (imaginary place), fiction