Night watch

by Terry Pratchett

paperback, 474 pages

English language

Published Sept. 5, 2003 by Corgi.

ISBN:: 978-0-552-14899-3

(32 reviews)

One moment, Sir Sam Vimes is in his old patrolman form, chasing a sweet-talking psychopath across the rooftops of Ankh-Morpork. The next, he's lying naked in the street, having been sent back thirty years courtesy of a group of time-manipulating monks who won't leave well enough alone. This Discworld is a darker place that Vimes remembers too well, three decades before his title, fortune, beloved wife, and impending first child. Worse still, the murderer he's pursuing has been transported back also. Worst of all, it's the eve of a fabled street rebellion that needlessly destroyed more than a few good (and not so good) men. Sam Vimes knows his duty, and by changing history he might just save some worthwhile necks—though it could cost him his own personal future. Plus there's a chance to steer a novice watchman straight and teach him a valuable thing or three about policing, an …

19 editions

pdotb@wyrms.de reviewed Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

I think I finally get it.

4 stars

This is the first of Pratchett's novels that I've read to the end (I've certainly tried at least one before and didn't get anywhere) and I think I understand the attraction. Vimes is a thoroughly decent chap, in a messy world, and Pratchett weaves words of wisdom into a pretty entertaining story. I'm not sure it moved me enough to hoover up the rest of his books, but I at least understand why people like him so much.

Eduardo Santiago reviewed Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

Review of 'Night Watch' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Exquisite. Sir Terry at his finest: ironic, insightful, chiding, and above all suffused with kindness. Gently pushing us toward better versions of ourselves. His characters are decent humans, imperfect, making the best out of impossible situations. How would you and I react in those circumstances? I know I’d fall short, today, but maybe I can strive to be better tomorrow.

Note to those unfamiliar with Sir Terry: you could conceivably start with this one, but you will get much more out of it if you’ve read [b:Small Gods|34484|Small Gods (Discworld, #13)|Terry Pratchett|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1390899426s/34484.jpg|1636629], the Death series, and other City Watch novels. (See the reading order guide for a helpful diagram). That’s a lot to ask; I think it helped my appreciation and I encourage you to consider it.