Summary
In Terry Pratchett’s “Jingo”, the 21st novel in his Discworld series and the fourth in the City Watch subseries, an ancient island called Leshp suddenly resurfaces in the Circle Sea, exactly halfway between the city-state of Ankh-Morpork and the empire of Klatch. Both nations immediately lay claim to this strategically valuable piece of land, leading to rapidly escalating tensions and the threat of war.
The story primarily follows Commander Samuel Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch and his loyal officers as they navigate the growing unrest within their own city. Ankh-Morpork, home to a significant Klatchian population, becomes a hotbed of jingoistic sentiment and racial tension. The situation worsens when a visiting Klatchian prince narrowly escapes an assassination attempt.
As Ankh-Morpork, led by the foolhardy Lord Rust, rushes headlong into war despite having no standing army, no funds, and no equipment, Vimes and his team find themselves caught in a complex web of political intrigue, espionage, and murder. They must uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt and track down those responsible, all while trying to prevent an unnecessary war.
The narrative takes unexpected turns as Vimes and his team, including Captain Carrot, Sergeant Angua, Sergeant Detritus, and Corporal Cheery Littlebottom, end up pursuing their investigation to Klatch itself. Meanwhile, the city’s ruler, Lord Vetinari, embarks on his own secret mission with an unlikely group of companions, utilising an underwater vessel invented by the brilliant but absent-minded Leonard of Quirm.
Pratchett masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, blending elements of police procedural, political satire, and fantasy adventure. The book explores themes of nationalism, prejudice, and the absurdity of war through Pratchett’s signature lens of wit and humour. As the conflict escalates, the story culminates in a clever and unexpected resolution that challenges the very notions of patriotism and victory.
Throughout the novel, Pratchett uses the fantastical setting of Discworld to hold a mirror up to our own world’s issues of xenophobia, warmongering, and political manipulation. The result is a thought-provoking yet hilarious commentary on the human condition, delivered through the adventures of beloved characters in an richly imagined fantasy world.
Key themes:
- The absurdity and futility of war
- Nationalism and jingoism
- Racial prejudice and xenophobia
- Political manipulation and propaganda
- The importance of justice and truth in law enforcement
- The power of diplomacy and understanding in resolving conflicts
Character Details
Commander Samuel Vimes
Samuel Vimes is the protagonist of “Jingo” and the leader of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. A working-class copper who has risen through the ranks, Vimes is now both the Commander of the Watch and the reluctant Duke of Ankh. He’s known for his cynicism, his unwavering sense of justice, and his deep-seated distrust of the nobility (despite now being a member of it).
Vimes is a complex character, struggling with the responsibilities of his elevated status while maintaining his street-smart approach to policing. He’s determined to solve crimes and maintain peace in the city, even when it means going against the prevailing political winds. In “Jingo”, Vimes’s skills are put to the test as he navigates the delicate situation between Ankh-Morpork and Klatch, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the attempted assassination.
Captain Carrot Ironfoundersson
Carrot is Vimes’s second-in-command and a unique figure in Ankh-Morpork. Standing at 6’6″, he’s a human who was raised by dwarfs and still considers himself one. Carrot is known for his unwavering honesty, his incredible charisma, and his ability to bring out the best in people.
In “Jingo”, Carrot’s diplomatic skills and his ability to speak Klatchian prove invaluable. His straightforward approach to policing and his genuine belief in the goodness of people often lead to surprising and effective resolutions to complex situations.
Sergeant Angua von Überwald
Angua is a member of the Watch and a werewolf, adding a unique perspective to the team. She’s intelligent, pragmatic, and often more cynical than Carrot, her romantic partner. Angua’s heightened senses and ability to transform into a wolf make her an excellent tracker and investigator.
In “Jingo”, Angua’s skills are put to good use as the Watch investigates the complex web of events surrounding the conflict with Klatch. Her relationship with Carrot is also explored, highlighting the complexities of their inter-species romance.
Lord Havelock Vetinari
The Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, Vetinari is a brilliant and Machiavellian ruler who governs the city with a mixture of cunning, manipulation, and carefully applied tyranny. In “Jingo”, Vetinari’s actions are typically subtle yet crucial. He appears to step down from his position but in reality embarks on a secret mission to Klatch, demonstrating his commitment to resolving the conflict through unconventional means.
71-hour Ahmed
A Klatchian character introduced in “Jingo”, 71-hour Ahmed is a complex and intriguing figure. His name comes from his reputation for not observing the traditional 72-hour period of hospitality, making him unpredictable and somewhat feared. Ahmed serves as a foil to Vimes, representing a different approach to law enforcement and justice.
Reader Fit
“Jingo” would appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy with a healthy dose of satire and social commentary. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, particularly those who have followed the City Watch storylines, will find much to love in this instalment. The book is also well-suited for those interested in political satire, as it offers a humorous yet insightful look at nationalism, war and diplomacy.
Readers who appreciate clever wordplay, memorable characters and stories that blend comedy with deeper philosophical questions will find “Jingo” engaging. It’s also a good fit for those who enjoy police procedurals or detective stories with a fantasy twist.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy, Satire
- Publication Year: 1997
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
- Notable Awards: None specific to “Jingo”, but Terry Pratchett was awarded the Carnegie Medal for his Discworld novel “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents” in 2001
Related Books
- “Feet of Clay” by Terry Pratchett (another City Watch novel in the Discworld series)
- “Going Postal” by Terry Pratchett (another Discworld novel with political themes)
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (for more of Pratchett’s satirical style)
