Nation

Pratchett, Terry. NATION. New York: HarperCollins Publishing. ISBN 978-0-06-143301- 6

Two worlds “collide” when a tidal wave hits the area around the islands in the Great Pelagic Ocean and the Russian Plague invades England. Mau, “demon boy,” returning to his island home in his dugout canoe after isolation on Boy Island, finds he’s lost all he’s ever known. After surviving a mutiny, “ghost girl” Daphne, an English girl of nobility sailing on the Sweet Judy to meet her father, becomes shipwrecked on this same island. Is their meeting by chance, or have the gods orchestrated it? Each of their wills and faith are tested by the death of those they love and respect, murder, and adaptation to the unknown. Together they create a “Nation” of refugees who are washed ashore and also devastated by the tidal wave, building new huts, learning new customs and even going to trial.

New York Times bestselling author, Terry Pratchett, takes his readers on adventure in raging seas and through a dense rain forest dodging sharks, bullets, falling bodies, and the VOICES of the gods. Narrated by both Mau and Daphne, readers of all kinds will relate to the two protagonists as they change becoming stronger and find their own identity. They learn what truly matters. Also connecting readers, “is a cast of colorful and interesting supporting characters to move the plot to its satisfying conclusion(Decker 2009).” In this fast-paced novel, Pratchett successfully weaves historical and imaginary events, myths and a story about survival. “Leadership, fear, questioning authority, and a sense of wonder all come together to make an unforgettable journey” (Vess 2008).The setting is believable and vividly pictured in the minds of readers. Throughout the novel subtle sub-themes of racism, tradition, feminism, maturing, and religious views permeate. “The theme of carrying on despite grief and in the face of death seems especially poignant and apt, as Pratchett has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease (Rohrlick 2008).” Humor such as the interpretations of Mau and Daphne as they try to communicate with each other and the foul-mouth captain’s parrot are added elements making this a book that should be on everyone’s “must read” list. “An absorbing novel of survival and discovery, liberally infused with Pratchett's trademark wit (_____ 2009).”  

Nation has received numerous honors and has been on many best books lists to include:  the Michael Printz Honor Book Award in 2009, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature in 2009, Odyssey Honor Award in 2009, Booklist Best Books for Young Adults in 2009, ALSC’s Outstanding International Books in 2009 and YALSA’s Best Books for Young Adults in 2009.

References

_____. 2009. "Nation." School Library Journal 55, 40. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 13, 2011).

Decker, Charlotte. 2009. "Nation." Library Media Connection 27, no. 4: 76. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 13, 2011).

Rohrlick, Paula. 2008. Pratchett, Terry. Nation. Kliatt, 42, no.5: 20. Literature Resource Center via Gale: http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2263/ps/start.do?p=LitRC&u=txshracd2583 (accessed September 13, 2011).