Nation by Terry Pratchett Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Nation
Book Review: skip the agenda
Summary: 3 Stars
In a way, the realm given to us by Pratchett in 'Nation' is familiar. It is an alternate vision of the world of the middle of the 19th century, a time of Empires and Kings and sailing ships and pirates in the South Seas. And also, in ways, the story told in 'Nation' is hardly original. Two young people, from very different backgrounds, marooned on a tropical island, must learn how to survive. But Pratchett puts some unique twists on this world.
Mau is returning from a distant island, the Boy's Island, where he had survived for a month and so, upon his arrival back on his home island, will be declare a man.
A short distance away Ermintrude ,or as she decides to call herself, Daphne, is sailing to join her father, the Governor of the Pelagic Territories, a chain of small islands in the Great Southern Pelagic Ocean. For both of them, life as they knew it will be changed forever by a giant tidal wave that races across the ocean, shipwrecking Daphne's boat and killing all on it but her and slaughtering all the inhabitants of Mau's home, killed as they wait on the beach for his return.
And half a world away, Europe is suffering from a terrible Plague that will require a drastic action by a mysterious group to save the monarchy.
The world that they knew is gone and Mau and Daphne, soon joined but a few others survivors, will be challenged to face all sorts of obstacles.
This alternate world that Pratchett creates is in many way fascinating and very entertaining. And Mr. Pratchett is a very good and often amusing writer. But there is one issue and I found it a rather annoying issue. Mr. Pratchett has an agenda, a message he would like to propose. Science is good...religion is not. Science is true..religion is a false reality that people create from the misunderstood truths of science. Ok..I get your point...again and again. But there is something to be said for being subtle and I don't think it enhances the book to hit the reader over the head with his intent. I will give him a point back on the score for not going with the easy "happily ever after" ending.
I haven't read anything by Pratchett before, and from what I read, this novel, aimed supposedly at the YA market, is not as humorous as most of his earlier work. I could have done with a bit more humor myself, but overall a well written, fairly entertaining book.
Book Review: wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
This is much different than other Pratchett books, but I loved it anyway. We got it from the library but now we are going to buy it -- it was really provocative and inspiring. I'm not sure I agree with all of the conclusions Mau does, but it feels important to think about all these questions.
***Not sure what age I'd recommend this for. Certainly not before 7th grade. It is written simply but the subject matter is so dense. Great for a read-aloud for couples or parents/teens.
***I have been reading light fluffy novels, and this one came as a shock -- it starts so grimly. Hang in there through the first 50 pages or so, because it's worth it!