Right on the money

PM: Today's column will have a slightly different feel from our past sallies into literary criticism and spousal badinage. My charming wife, Karin, has determined she's far too busy right now to be able to take the time to write her part of the review, so instead of engaging in the crisp japery and pithy observations that have delighted our tens of readers, it has fallen to me to provide both ends of the dialogue.

KW: Wonderful, darling! I can't think of anyone more capable!

P.M.: Thanks, sweetie! Well, it's good news for lovers of wit, originality and a crackling good story, as much-beloved (at least by us and several million people worldwide) British author Terry Pratchett has released a new book in his estimable Discworld series titled "Making Money."

K.W.: Oooh, "estimable"! What a great word choice, you clever thing, you!

P.M.: You're too kind. We have, of course, raved in the past in this column about Pratchett, and this latest work reinforces our opinion of him as one of the smartest and funniest comic writers working today. Anything you'd like to add, my dear?

K.W.: Oh, no, darling, I couldn't possibly describe it any better than you. I'm perfectly happy just to sit here and gaze at the muscles rippling in your forearms as you type!

P.M.: In this terrific new novel, Pratchett brings back Moist Von Lipwig, the reluctant con man/hero of “Going Postal,” his book of three years ago. Having worked wonders reviving the Anhk-Morpork postal system (mostly due to his invention of the postage stamp), Moist has moved on to the moribund Ankh-Morpork Treasury, where before long he comes up with the idea of using paper currency instead of just coins and gold.

K.W.: You must be getting tired; I don’t know how you do it! Here, let me rub your shoulders.

P.M.: Say, that feels great! Anyway, from this premise all sorts of mostly very funny complications ensue, and Pratchett trots out some favorite old characters and delightful new ones as he deftly skewers our economic system and the way in which we view money. At this point in the Discworld series, the old characters feel like familiar old friends, and it’s always fun to see them in new contexts, while the new characters are interesting enough that one hopes to see more of them in future novels.

K.W.: Petesie-weetsie, why don’t you take a little break and I’ll make you a wonderful dinner and then take you upstairs and All right, what the hell is going on here?

P.M.: Oh! Um — hi, sweetie! I was just, er, you know, working on our latest review.

K.W.:I'll bet. I hope you're not taking advantage of the fact that because of my schedule I asked if you would write the whole thing.

P.M.: Absolutely not! I wouldn't dream of ...

K.W.: Did you mention how much I enjoyed and admired Pratchett's ability to illuminate universal aspects of human behavior while at the same time creating totally original characters?

P.M.: His what? I mean, well, sure, that's kind of obvious, but I'll include it if you want ...

K.W.: Good. His is a unique voice in the literary world, and he deserves not only a serious and thoughtful review, but a serious and thoughtful readership. And as long as you don't put my voice in italics, I'm fine.

P.M.:

K.W.: Make a noise so I know you heard me.

P.M.: You? Italics? Ha-ha, that's a good one, italics.

K.W.: Great. Thanks -- this is a big help. I'll go start dinner.

P.M.: OK, love, I'll be right down. Um, OK, so, enough said. Go out and buy this book because it's funny and thought-provoking and entirely enjoyable.

K.W.: Oh, what a bold and beautifully worded summation! I'm so lucky to be married to such a hunky wordsmith!

P.M.: Well, a little imagination goes a long way.

Karin Winegar is a freelance journalist and publicist. Peter Moore is an actor and director. They live in St. Paul. Obviously, they're married.