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It is, in many respects, less of a fantasy than many of his books, but shares in having a protagonist who gets things done. Briefly, this Pratchett book reads very smoothly. On the whole, I definitely recommend it, not just to the sci-fi crowd.pjf His questioning on the way is revealed in a refreshing manner. It takes an unlikely situation and evolves it into a strong statement, with both humor and encouragement. The characters are interesting and compelling.
Highly recommended. A new kind of Pratchett( for me at least) It's a great story in "Lord of The Flies" fashion, but this story gives the protagonist credit for having a greater sense of community than Goldings youngsters. Ostensibly written for young readers, this story is not limited to that genre and at 60 yrs old, I found it well thought out and entertaining.
Similar books are Thud, Going Postal, the entire Night Watch series, Making Money and many more of his brilliant books.I wont spoil the plot but it has so many story lines that are brilliantly interwoven you will almost wet yourself laughing.cheers I first read Nation on a flight home, not the best place to laugh you self silly with a lot of tourists watching. This is one of those Pratchett masterpieces's that needs to be read at least twice.
In the light of recent tsunamis, Catrina, and the current events in Haiti it seems particularly apropos. The title says it all. If this book doesn't make you think about duty, religion, friendship, loyalty, politics and much more - well you're just not paying attention.
What role does tradition have when civilization is ruined. We may not agree with them - and that's okay. The story - of a shipwrecked English girl and a island boy on the cusp of manhood - is thoughtful and gentle.
What we do get, and skillfully so, is a chance to think about it. They don't exactly agree with each other, either. We get to see other people wrestling honestly with the most difficult questions of our lives.
This is a well-crafted Pratchett book - both making you think and making you laugh. They don't get easy answers at any point, and neither do we. And that - along with Pratchett's signature humor - is what makes Nation a compelling read.
The plot is fast enough to keep things moving, the characters are alive and compelling, the world and alternate history lush, and the moral issues they wrestle with are compelling.And perhaps most importantly, they're not resolved.What about God, or the God(s). Pratchett explores these through his characters, but there is no preachiness.
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