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A review by basil_touche
Nation by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I took a break from reading early Discworld to check out Pratchett's later novels as I found I just wasn't exactly vibing with the early stuff. Considering this book had me crying by the second chapter, I think its safe to say that his books got better (and reminded me just why I loved his other YA works as kid).
What I respect about Pratchett's YA novels is that they never condescend young readers and aren't afraid to delve into dark topics, especially here. A few chapters in and I already loved Mau and Daphne as characters, how they both deal with grief after the wave and the loss of loved ones and how they then question the structure of society and the world in general.
This book doesn't go the easy route of giving an answer, instead encouraging readers to think about what the story brings forth, all wrapped around an alternative history that turns the world upside down.
What I respect about Pratchett's YA novels is that they never condescend young readers and aren't afraid to delve into dark topics, especially here. A few chapters in and I already loved Mau and Daphne as characters, how they both deal with grief after the wave and the loss of loved ones and how they then question the structure of society and the world in general.
This book doesn't go the easy route of giving an answer, instead encouraging readers to think about what the story brings forth, all wrapped around an alternative history that turns the world upside down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Vomit, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Colonisation
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Cannibalism, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic