Home | Welcome | Shortlist | BGS Reviews | Contact us
Nation
Reviewed and illustrated by Alex Rhodes
|
|
Home | Welcome | Shortlist | BGS Reviews | Contact us Nation Reviewed and illustrated by Alex Rhodes |
Set in a chain of tropical
islands in the
Great Southern Pelagic
Ocean, Terry Pratchett's novel creates a whole new paradise with
densely-wooded rainforests laden with fruit and other resources, white sandy
beaches and tall rocky peaks. Amidst this world, a boy named Mau is on his own
on a separate, smaller island than the main one, completing his rite to be a
man. Suddenly a huge wave slams into the peaceful metropolis killing each and
every living thing, but the wild animals and him.
The village is gone. The inhabitants are gone. Mau is left on own to survive…or is he? After discovering a strange girl he sets to the task of 'Restoring the Nation'.
I enjoyed this book for its vast use of fantasy. Pratchett forms a world you can really imagine to be a perfect tropical island. The novel is captivating as you explore Mau’s adventures in the tropical land, secluded from the modern world.There were moments where I had to re-read paragraphs; I found some of the novel quite hard going. I often found my self stuck, not knowing why one minute Mau is on his own, the next, he is aboard a wrecked ship eating scones! It was only until a second look through, I realised he is sent a letter by the trouserman girl inviting him.
If, like me, fantasy books are your thing, I would recommend this book to you, though a word of warning to those who like a more serious, believable read – you will have to contend with strange birds that can talk in your head, and poisons that can change into beer under the chant of a song!