Nation by Terry Pratchett Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Nation
Book Review: A cracking good read
Summary: 5 Stars
Just a short note to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I have been a fan of the Discworld series for more than 25 years so I am not the target audience for "Nation", But as crusty old grump easing into the 'golden years' I will say it had me shedding a tear or two at the end and damn few books manage that at my age.
I was sorry to see it end and I wanted to know more about the world that the events in this story brought about.
The juvenile (now termed 'Young adult') books of my youth were the early stories by Robert Anson Heinlein (July 7, 1907 - May 8, 1988), and he like Pratchett never talked down to his intended readers. With both of them you find no hint of a simplified vocabulary or the other major sins of the genre.
Heartily Recommended for any that enjoy a good read.
Book Review: A future classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Book Review: A good story with some subtelty issues
Summary: 3 Stars
The front flap of one of "Nation" author Terry Pratchett's earlier books reads "In recent years [Discworld, his primary series] has split into "adult" and "children's" series. The difference between them is that one deals with serious themes, while the other one is for adults." Though "Nation" isn't a Discworld book - it's set on an island on an alternate Earth - it follows the pattern. A YA book, it's really quite serious about growing up, critical thinking, and belief - the book's biggest problem is that it's Anvilicious in a way only Richard Dawkins could love.
What's disappointing about this is though the latter half of the book is as emphatic as the first, it handles things more smoothly. The fault isn't that the messages forms the entire plot scaffolding - there are times this works well - but that Pratchett feels the need to go on about it when he should let it demonstrate itself. Normally his YA novels handle this better. His trademark humor isn't as present as usual either; the book undoubtedly has its moments and it's not as serious as "Night Watch", but they're fewer and farther between than normal.
Which isn't to say "Nation" is a bad book*; Pratchett's previous books set a very high bar that most authors can't meet. Mau, Daphne, and the rest of the book's cast are wonderfully engaging people. This just isn't the author's best.
***1/2
(* I dislike Amazon's "3 stars is negative" idea.)
Book Review: A great YA read.
Summary: 4 Stars
In a parallel universe set in the time when the British were still exploring and claiming new worlds a plague has affected many of its citizens. On its quest to bring the daughter of the new king back to London, the Sweet Judy is shipwrecked by a tidal wave.
On his journey into manhood Mau had just found the canoe that will take him to his home island where he will become a man. When he arrives, Mau finds that the tidal wave has taken the lives of his entire island Nation.
But when much is taken, something is returned and together Daphne and Mau confront the aftermath of catastrophe. Drawn by the smoke of Mau and Daphne's sheltering fire, other refugees slowly arrive: children without parents, mothers without babies, husbands without wives--all of them hungry and all of them frightened.
Nation was my first Terry Pratchett novel and I enjoyed the journey into this imaginary world and the story told with realism and humor. The characters question faith, struggle to keep their new family safe and overcome the hurdles of a lifestyle turned upside down all while forging a new Nation. I recommend this book to all YA readers.
Book Review: A story of Survival, written as only Pratchett could
Summary: 5 Stars