Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch, #8)

Title: Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch, #8)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Published in: 2011

Date read: 12th September 2013

Score: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Snuff" by Terry Pratchett, published in 2011, is the 39th Discworld novel and the eighth featuring Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. It's a sharp, poignant, and surprisingly dark satire that delves into themes of prejudice, class, justice, and the often-overlooked horrors of the Discworld's rural underbelly.

The story finds Vimes, usually happiest on the grimy streets of Ankh-Morpork, reluctantly dragged on a compulsory aristocratic holiday to the stately Ramkin family estate in Upliftshire, a serene rural idyll far from the city's chaos. He's accompanied by his wife, Lady Sybil, and their young son, Young Sam.

Initially, Vimes is bored and out of his element, struggling with the polite society and the tranquil countryside. However, his policeman's nose soon detects something profoundly wrong beneath the pastoral surface. He uncovers evidence of a brutal murder that the local gentry and law enforcement are eager to dismiss or cover up.

The victims are goblins, a species largely regarded by humans, even in enlightened Ankh-Morpork, as vermin, savages, or mere curiosities, utterly devoid of rights or souls. Their systematic persecution, enslavement, and murder are commonplace and largely ignored. Vimes, driven by his unwavering commitment to justice, regardless of the victim's species or social standing, cannot let this go.

His investigation forces him to confront the ingrained prejudice and casual cruelty of the human world towards non-human species. He delves into the hidden, often horrifying, practices of the rural elite, including the exploitation of goblins in a brutal, illicit industry. He also discovers that goblins, far from being soulless, possess a rich, complex culture, including a profound connection to their "snuff" – a form of folk art made from their bodily secretions, which is deeply significant to them.

Vimes's relentless pursuit of justice pits him against powerful and influential figures who believe themselves above the law. He must navigate a system designed to protect the privileged and ignore the suffering of the disenfranchised.

The novel is a powerful commentary on human rights, the nature of civilization, and the uncomfortable truth that evil often flourishes in plain sight when victims are dehumanized. The climax sees Vimes bringing the full force of the law to bear on those who believe they are untouchable, fighting for the recognition and rights of a despised species. "Snuff" is a testament to Vimes's moral compass and Pratchett's ability to tackle serious social issues with his characteristic wit and insight.

Comments:
Over time, these books have covered every major social theme that we are going through on Earth, it is clearly mirrored in the Discworld. A thoroughly entertaining read.

Books that we've read by Terry Pratchett (39):
The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1; Rincewind, #1) (1983), The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2) (1986), Equal Rites (Discworld, #3; Witches, #1) (1987), Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1) (1987), Sourcery (Discworld, #5; Rincewind, #3) (1988), Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches, #2) (1988), Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8; City Watch, #1) (1989), Pyramids (Discworld, #7) (1989), Eric (Discworld, #9; Rincewind, #4) (1990), Moving Pictures (Discworld, #10; Industrial Revolution, #1) (1990), Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12; Witches, #3) (1991), Reaper Man (Discworld, #11; Death, #2) (1991), Small Gods (Discworld, #13) (1992), Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches, #4) (1992), Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch, #2) (1993), Soul Music (Discworld, #16; Death, #3) (1994), Interesting Times (Discworld, #17; Rincewind, #5) (1994), Maskerade (Discworld, #18; Witches, #5) (1995), Feet of Clay (Discworld, #19; City Watch, #3) (1996), Hogfather (Discworld, #20; Death, #4) (1996), Jingo (Discworld, #21; City Watch, #4) (1997), Carpe Jugulum (Discworld, #23; Witches, #6) (1998), The Last Continent (Discworld, #22; Rincewind, #6) (1998), The Fifth Elephant (Discworld, #24; City Watch, #5) (1999), The Truth (Discworld, #25) (2000), The Last Hero (Discworld, #27; Rincewind, #7) (2001), Thief of Time (Discworld, #26; Death, #5) (2001), Night Watch (Discworld, #29; City Watch, #6) (2002), The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1) (2003), Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3) (2003), A Hat Full of Sky (Discworld, #32; Tiffany Aching, #2) (2004), Going Postal (Discworld, #33; Moist von Lipwig, #1) (2004), Thud! (Discworld, #34; City Watch, #7) (2005), Wintersmith (Discworld, #35; Tiffany Aching, #3) (2006), Making Money (Discworld, #36; Moist Von Lipwig, #2) (2007), Unseen Academicals (Discworld, #37; Rincewind, #8) (2009), I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld, #38; Tiffany Aching, #4) (2010), Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch, #8) (2011), Raising Steam (Discworld, #40; Moist von Lipwig, #3) (2013)