I just finished reading Terry Pratchett's Nation and I have to say it was quite an enjoyable read. I've posted both the U.S. cover (the shipwreck) and the U.K cover (the really cool one with the silhouette) so you can easily identify the book when you run out to buy it on my recommendation. Aside: Why do U.S. publishers tend to go with inferior artwork on our books? I have been disappointed on numerous occasions to find that I prefer the U.K. cover art to the U.S. cover art on books I have purchased. Anyway, enough of that, where was I? Oh yes. I first heard of Terry Pratchett when someone said to me, in response to a particularly corny pun, "I bet you love Terry Pratchett." A ringing endorsement if ever I heard one. Shortly thereafter, one of my favorite authors, Patrick Rothfuss, posted a glowing review of Nation on his blog, which sealed the deal. I doubt Nation is representative of Pratchett's body of work, given the sheer number of Discworld books, but I would read more of his books based on the quality of this one.
Nation takes place on a parallel Earth where things have developed differently in some aspects but are the same in other aspects. Pratchett refers to the parallel world concept as "The great big multiple-universes get-out-of-jail-free card." I will admit that as a plot device in Stargate SG-1, and Star Trek (you name it) and even loosely in the "Who shot J.R.?" season of Dallas the parallel world idea kinda pisses me off, but in Nation it works for me.There is nothing in Nation that is overly complex. I have recommended it to my kids to read. However, the book actually provides a vehicle for some very complex subjects; if you wish to spend time contemplating them. Subjects such as faith, tradition, science, leadership, good and evil are all given some analysis and character development within the story that unfolds.
With its island setting, the book brought back memories of reading Call it Courage and Island of the Blue Dolphins when I was young. I loved the adventurous nature of those books and the "what would I do in that situation?" thoughts that they inspired. I would put Nation in the same category, but at my advanced age (well beyond the age of 10 when I read Call it Courage), I resonate more with the deeper contexts in Nation that just weren't present in the other adventure books I read.
I know I haven't said much about the story and that's on purpose. I don't like book reviews (or movie reviews) that divulge the entire plot. (Unless they hated the movie/book, in the which case they just saved me a ten-spot or more) So, because I liked Nation I'll let you read it yourself to discover what the plot is. Or you can search on-line for someone else's review that reveals the whole story.
6 comments:
I almost didn't finish reading the post for fear of falling into a plot-revealing trap, but you eased my mind with your reader-considerate content. I hate reviews that tell me the whole story!
I've got a Barnes & Noble gift card burning a hole in my new water buffalo hide wallet (I didn't know I needed a water buffalo hide wallet until I got one for Christmas), so I just might have to check that book out. Thanks for the review!
Nation is on my list.
I actually prefer the US cover to ours. It's very Henri Rousseau, which I love. It has a quiet naivety. I see why you prefer the other cover though; out of the two it looks more interesting. More going on in it, a bit like Bob Ross's work.
Good call on not going into to much detail about the story, I also hate spoilers. They’re the work of the Devil!
I'm reading Sly mongoose at the moment while I wait for last argument of Kings to arrive from the Amazon (why they keep books in a river, I'll never know!). it's very good. I've never been a fan of Sci-Fi but his world is very well written, so far.
Does not happen!
Fantastic book. My favourite Pratchett since he did Good Omens with Gaiman.
I heartily endorse this recommendation. It is a swift easy read becase the writing is so simple. Not simple as in elementary, or brief, but simple as in Pratchett has written millions upon millions of words and has got it down to such a fine art that you can glide from one sentence to the next. The story, itself, is amazing.
Sailor Mattie, put that gift card to some good use!
Hmm... yeah, down here in Oz we get the U.K editions of everything. I find that some of the covers in the U.S. are preferable. I liked the blue hardback of Name of the Wind, for one. Either way, no judging books by their covers!
@Cap'n Joe: I have the "naked man chest" cover for NOTW. (Not that there's anything wrong with that...) It makes the book look like some kind of Harlequin romance novel or something.
@Sailor Matt: The current price for Nation should leave you with some spare change from an average gift card. Jump in.
@marky: Yeah, maybe I have a thing for "happy little clouds" or something like that. What's that common saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder?"
I decided to read Nation after Pat's post about it, and sure enough I enjoyed every page of it. The parrot was definitely the best part o' the book, though the themes explored were super interesting, too.
Nice allusion to Dallas, by the way.
I just got Nation in the post this morning. I can't wait to get into it. I'll let you know what I think.
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