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Finding himself alone on a desert island when everything and everyone he knows and loved has been washed away in a huge storm, Mau is the last surviving member of his nation. He's also completely alone - or so he thinks until he finds the ghost girl. She has no toes, wears strange lacy trousers like the grandfather bird and gives him a stick which can make fire. Daphne, sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets trying to shoot the native boy. Thank goodness the powder was wet and the gun only produced a spark. She's certain her father, distant cousin of the Royal family, will come and rescue her but it seems, for now, all she has for company is the boy and the foul-mouthed ship's parrot. As it happens, they are not alone for long.Other survivors start to arrive to take refuge on the island they all call the Nation and then raiders accompanied by murderous mutineers from the Sweet Judy. Together, Mau and Daphne discover some remarkable things - including how to milk a pig and why spitting in beer is a good thing - and start to forge a new Nation.As can be expected from Terry Pratchett, the master story-teller, this new children's novel is both witty and wise, encompassing themes of death and nationhood, while being extremely funny. Mau's ancestors have something to teach us all. Mau just wishes they would shut up about it and let him get on with saving everyone's lives!
Random House Children's Books (United Kingdom) | |
2008 | |
9780385613705 | |
Hardback - 432 Pages | |
Line illustrations |
Average rating (3 reviews)
what makes a nation, and what makes a man
Luiswulf | 29/12/2008 | See all Luiswulf's reviews (14) »
It's nice to see Pterry dabble in something not Discworld-related every once in a while.
The story is set in a tropical island on an alternate Earth, and the two main characters have to deal with the very serious issues of finding one's own identity, life, death, duty - and what to do with annoying dead ancestors and deities from a distant past. The ending will probably leave some readers angry or sad, but in time you can realize there is a precise reason for it and it doesn't just happen on a whim of the author (I'm looking at you, Philip Pullman).
Pity for the abrupt epilogue, rather different in pace compared to the rest of the book.
Incredibly Awesomely Good!
Isabel | 19/09/2008 | See all Isabel's reviews (1) »
Top 100 Books Reviewer
I've read quite a few books by Terry Pratchett so far (coming from a home containing every Pratchett written, well, ever) and this one is definitely one of my favourites.
It's not a Discworld novel, but it's brilliant anyway. There's so much depth in the story which covers aspects from relationships (both family and friend) to religion and really gets you thinking.
The book was nearly impossible to put down and although I couldn't wait to read the end to see what happened, I was also sad when I had finished it.
I love this book and am making sure that everyone I know reads it as soon as possible so I have someone to talk about it with!
Also: I'm only sixteen and I loved it. My parents did as well. It's not a children's book as some places are saying it is. It's a book for everyone! :D
Wow
Drabman | 19/09/2008 | See all Drabman's reviews (3) »
Another truely original story from the Master of words!
If your a Pratchett fan then this is for you, but if your a fan of the Discworld only I'd give it a miss. This is a story set on an alternative Earth, with twists turns and lots of cunning...and an amusing parrot!
I bought it last week and read it in one sitting, it's a very unputdownable book and I just know that others out there will feel the same way.
I myself never take reviews on face value, I'd rather experience it for myself. If you feel the same then this is just a gentle nudge for you to start the experience...
Enjoy!
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