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Nation

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In "Nation" by Terry Pratchett, the story revolves around Mau, a native boy who survives a tsunami that devastates his island, and Daphne, an English girl who is the only survivor of a shipwreck that crashes onto the same island. Together, they must navigate cultural differences, rebuild their society, and explore themes of faith, civilization, and community. The book delves into the characters' growth, the challenges they face, and the mysteries they uncover about their ancestors, all while maintaining a balance of humor, adventure, and thought-provoking moments.

The writing style of "Nation" is described as a departure from Pratchett's Discworld series, with a more serious and poignant tone that still retains his signature wit and charm. The narrative explores complex subjects like religion, morality, colonization, and societal norms, offering a richly layered story that appeals to readers of all ages. Through the characters of Mau and Daphne, Pratchett weaves a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing growth and the struggle between cultural identities.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines accessible language with philosophical themes, blending humor with poignant reflections on life.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a boy named Mau who survives a tsunami that wipes out his village, and Daphne, a girl from a shipwreck, as they navigate grief and rebuild a community.

Setting:

The setting is a fictional South Pacific island during the 19th century, reflecting cultural diversity.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow but picks up as characters develop and face challenges.
T HE SNOW CAME DOWN so thickly, it formed fragile snowballs in the air that tumbled and melted as soon as they landed on the horses lined up along the dock. It was four in the morning and the place wa...

Notes:

Nation is set in an alternate universe during the 19th century.
The story revolves around a tsunami that wipes out an entire island's population except for the protagonist, Mau.
Mau is on his way home after completing a coming-of-age ritual when the disaster strikes.
Daphne, a British girl, survives a shipwreck and ends up on the same island as Mau.
The novel explores themes of faith, survival, and the clash of cultures.
It deals with philosophical questions like the existence of evil and the role of gods.
Pratchett's writing in Nation is less humorous than his Discworld novels but still includes wit and satire.
Nation is recognized for its commentary on colonialism and cultural imperialism.
The book emphasizes the importance of building a community and understanding different beliefs.
Nation captures the process of grief and rebuilding after loss, making it a poignant tale.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings might include themes of death, grief, disaster, and existential philosophical queries.

From The Publisher:

Michael L. Printz Honor Book

ALA Booklist Editors' Choice

ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best

ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults

School Library Journal Best Book

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award

Horn Book Fanfare

ALA Notable Children's Book

Publishers Weekly Best Book

Bulletin Blue Ribbon (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)

Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book

When a giant wave destroys his village, Mau is the only one left. Daphne-a traveler from the other side of the globe-is the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Separated by language and customs, the two are united by catastrophe. Slowly, they are joined by other refugees. And as they struggle to protect the small band, Mau and Daphne defy ancestral spirits, challenge death himself, and uncover a long-hidden secret that literally turns the world upside down.

Ratings (24)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (51):

Read It (24)
Want To Read (15)
Not Interested (12)
 
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