What a wonderful novel. I have been reading Terry Practchett since the mid 1980's and I love every one of them (perhaps not so much the wizards wandering in the desert - Lost Continent?). But this book, Nation, is just beautiful. Mau is a complex and gorgeous character, trying to build a life and a new country out of the old. So many resonances for me reading this, particularly being Irish, and having worked with the issue of develpment/aid for years. Even in the end they broke up the ancient golden door just to fit it on the ship. There's barbarity everywhere.
I think it's wonderful that, in children's fiction, Terry Practchett - along with Philip Pullman - really establishes a humanistic basis as a valid alternative framework for reading the world. More power to them both. And long may they continue to write.
I think it's wonderful that, in children's fiction, Terry Practchett - along with Philip Pullman - really establishes a humanistic basis as a valid alternative framework for reading the world. More power to them both. And long may they continue to write.