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yippers's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Colonisation
rainonyourback's review against another edition
5.0
Gives a lot to think about. Quite the interesting intro to thinking about imperialism and colonialism. Colorful and realistic and diverse characters, awe-striking world building. Beautiful prose.
dmcke013's review against another edition
4.0
While he was alive, a new novel by [a:Terry Pratchett|1654|Terry Pratchett|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1235562205p2/1654.jpg] was always a treat.
This is one of those rare beasts, however: a non-Discworld Terry Pratchett novel, aimed more at the yound adult (I hate that term) readership.
I remember, as well, seeing a documentary at around about the time that Pratchett was first diagnosed with his 'embuggerance' (Alzheimers), as part of which they followed him to a convention. During that convention, he read several excerpts from his (then) new, as yet-unreleased book - this one. And kept losing his place.
That, for some reason, is something that I always associate with this book - perhaps because it was so uncomfortable to watch?
Anyway, this (completely fictional) novel is largely set on an island in 'the Great Southern Pelagic Ocean', following a tidal wave which sees the Nation of the title all but wiped out: all, that is, except for Mau who was on his way home following his coming of age ceremony and thus able to ride the wave out. Mau, and the sole female survivor of the shipwreck The Sweet Judy.
Thus follows various misunderstandings, with (I imagine) a bit of a role-reversal Robinson Crusoe, until the very last bitter-sweet ending.
This is one of those rare beasts, however: a non-Discworld Terry Pratchett novel, aimed more at the yound adult (I hate that term) readership.
I remember, as well, seeing a documentary at around about the time that Pratchett was first diagnosed with his 'embuggerance' (Alzheimers), as part of which they followed him to a convention. During that convention, he read several excerpts from his (then) new, as yet-unreleased book - this one. And kept losing his place.
That, for some reason, is something that I always associate with this book - perhaps because it was so uncomfortable to watch?
Anyway, this (completely fictional) novel is largely set on an island in 'the Great Southern Pelagic Ocean', following a tidal wave which sees the Nation of the title all but wiped out: all, that is, except for Mau who was on his way home following his coming of age ceremony and thus able to ride the wave out. Mau, and the sole female survivor of the shipwreck The Sweet Judy.
Thus follows various misunderstandings, with (I imagine) a bit of a role-reversal Robinson Crusoe, until the very last bitter-sweet ending.
halftimelord's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Disclaimer: I wouldn't have picked up this book if I'd have realised it was a children's book, so this might be a biased opinion!
I haven't read much Pratchett and wanted to read something more light-hearted for a change. Although I don't read children's books, I did enjoy the beginning of the book and there were a lot of good characters.
The moral and theme of the story was good, and I was pleasantly surprised that it talked about colonialism. However, the book did seem to suggest that civilisations should be based on their scientific achievements which is a bit of a weird take. I got less interested as it went on, and the reveal at the endthat the story was being told in the future really didn't work for me.
I haven't read much Pratchett and wanted to read something more light-hearted for a change. Although I don't read children's books, I did enjoy the beginning of the book and there were a lot of good characters.
The moral and theme of the story was good, and I was pleasantly surprised that it talked about colonialism. However, the book did seem to suggest that civilisations should be based on their scientific achievements which is a bit of a weird take. I got less interested as it went on, and the reveal at the end
indiepauli47's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I'm so sorry, Sir Pratchett, as I feel like I haven't truly honoured your book ; I've been putting it off for weeks, struggling to get through, while this book is actually great and the problem lies with my non-reading ass.
It was maybe not the right time for me to read this one, and also, I may have wanted more DW in my life, and obviously, this is not a DW book, but that doesn't make it bad.
It just makes *me* bad, for comparing what shouldn't be.
Anyway.
It still was a great story to read, Sir Pratchett's humour ever so present to tackle some deep questions about life.
This one is more on the YA side, but it didn't bother me.
I was *not* happy about the ending, but it couldn't have been more 'Pratchett-y' than that.
It was maybe not the right time for me to read this one, and also, I may have wanted more DW in my life, and obviously, this is not a DW book, but that doesn't make it bad.
It just makes *me* bad, for comparing what shouldn't be.
Anyway.
It still was a great story to read, Sir Pratchett's humour ever so present to tackle some deep questions about life.
This one is more on the YA side, but it didn't bother me.
I was *not* happy about the ending, but it couldn't have been more 'Pratchett-y' than that.
disneynerdsworld's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
yjpenny's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
shona_reads_in_devon's review against another edition
5.0
I mean, he never fails for me! Even when it's not discworld.
Pratchett's usual philosophical musings wrapped up in a moving, tragic, funny and heartfelt story.
Pratchett's usual philosophical musings wrapped up in a moving, tragic, funny and heartfelt story.
localpeachthief's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
hedrigall's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 stars
Bought the book 4 years ago, and had trouble starting it. Last month it became one of the few books downloaded onto my Kindle in a wifi dead-zone, so I found myself continuing.
Terry Pratchett has said that Nation is the most important book he'll ever write, and I can see why. Belief is something that Pratchett has examined many times throughout his books, and in Nation Pratchett provides one of his best of these, in addition to an earnest and heartfelt portrayal of what it's like to have your core beliefs traumatically rocked.
Eventually, I couldn't put this book down. The only reason it isn't 5 stars was the slow-to-startness I felt.
I'm really glad I can say I liked a Pratchett book that wasn't Discworld. As much as I love Terry Pratchett, I can't help but become deeply familiar with the style he so deftly employs now that I have read 15+ of his books. Nation allowed him to step away from his familiar backdrop of Discworld, and it allowed him to tell a story that I believe truly benefited from its alt-history Earth setting.
Bought the book 4 years ago, and had trouble starting it. Last month it became one of the few books downloaded onto my Kindle in a wifi dead-zone, so I found myself continuing.
Terry Pratchett has said that Nation is the most important book he'll ever write, and I can see why. Belief is something that Pratchett has examined many times throughout his books, and in Nation Pratchett provides one of his best of these, in addition to an earnest and heartfelt portrayal of what it's like to have your core beliefs traumatically rocked.
Eventually, I couldn't put this book down. The only reason it isn't 5 stars was the slow-to-startness I felt.
I'm really glad I can say I liked a Pratchett book that wasn't Discworld. As much as I love Terry Pratchett, I can't help but become deeply familiar with the style he so deftly employs now that I have read 15+ of his books. Nation allowed him to step away from his familiar backdrop of Discworld, and it allowed him to tell a story that I believe truly benefited from its alt-history Earth setting.