Since we are getting closer and closer to the release of Unseen Academicals – the brand new book by Sir Terry Pratchett – perhaps it is time for a review of one of his books. And what better book than Night Watch, my all time favorite?

All of you who are fans of Pratchett, especially those who love the Sam Vimes storylines, will be familiar with the Night Watch. Unlike some of his lighthearted ones, this one is more indepth, it makes a lot more social comment (if that is even possible with Pratchett) and it reveals some important details about the beloved Discworld cop.

This is the novel where we learn about Vimes, where we find out why Vimes thinks the way he does. Think of it as a fictional semi-biography of Commander Vimes, if you will.

For those who are unaware of Vimes or any of the other Discworld related treasures, do read on. I should start by introducing Sam Vimes. Think of him as a flawed man with his own share of vices. Now imagine him as a cop, a man who always strives to do the right thing. He faces all types of adversities and nasty situations and yet, he always sticks to his code of ethics for guidance. In this day and age when we keep coming across anti-heroes and are provided with various justifications as to why it is alright not to have a strong moral compass, it is refreshing to see a such a strong fictional character.

 Well, now that I have built up Vimes in everyone's eyes, let's dive into the story. Pratchett wrote this book after he had fleshed out Sam Vimes in various other novels. Thus, readers had started viewing him as the lovable, dependable man who could do no wrong. But was it always the case? Turns out, things could have turned out very differently for young Vimes when he first joined the Watch. He could have ended up corrupt, disdainful and apathetic. What changed all that? Pratchett follows the two timelines in this novel where he kept pace with the older Vimes and slowly jumped over to Vimes youth. There he traces the early influence, particularly that of the mysterious, Sergeant-At-Arms, John Keel. The youthful Vimes is growing up in scary times – civil rights was a joke and torture at the hands of authorities were not uncommon. It is at this crucial time that Keel strides in and starts changing the lives of everyone around him.

 I loved this book for a number of reasons. Firstly, I consider this to be one of the writer's best works where social commentary is concerned. It is evident, from a lot of his novels, that Pratchett is passionate about human rights and you can see this feeling guiding the underlying themes of this novel. Secondly, you have to admire the man's knowledge of historical events. The backdrop of Vimes' youth corresponding with historical references to early development of proper police work. History buffs will remember how fear, torture and absolute power of those in high places served unsuccessfully as crime deterrents until folks decided to build a proper system to protect general public.