2008*1st* Nation - Terry Pratchett(Doubleday)

Good first edition unclipped jacket clean and tidy. 

**_Nation_** by **Terry Pratchett**, published in 2008, is a **standalone novel** that diverges from his famous *Discworld* series, showcasing his ability to craft thought-provoking and deeply emotional narratives outside of fantasy satire. Set in an alternate history version of Earth, *Nation* blends elements of adventure, survival, and philosophical inquiry, focusing on themes such as identity, faith, and society.

### **Plot Summary**:
The story is set during the 19th century, where a massive tidal wave sweeps away most of the population of an island called the **Nation**, leaving behind only a young boy named **Mau**. He had been on a coming-of-age journey to become a man, but when he returns to find his entire village gone, he is faced with questions of life, death, and meaning. Around the same time, a British girl named **Daphne** (the daughter of an aristocrat) is shipwrecked on the island after the tidal wave. Together, they must rebuild a new community from the survivors who start arriving on the island.

As Mau and Daphne face cultural and linguistic barriers, the novel explores how they navigate different belief systems. Mau, stripped of his people and gods, struggles with his faith and begins to question everything he once knew. Daphne, meanwhile, brings her Western scientific understanding into the mix, creating a rich dialogue between tradition and reason.

### **Themes**:
- **Culture and Religion**: Mau's loss of faith and his eventual reconnection with his culture are central to the book. It contrasts with Daphne's more scientific, skeptical worldview, prompting discussions about belief, reason, and the nature of gods.
- **Survival and Leadership**: The two main characters, Mau and Daphne, both face the daunting task of leading and rebuilding a community. Their personal growth as leaders mirrors the struggles of a world trying to make sense of loss and disaster.
- **Colonialism and Identity**: The novel touches on issues of colonialism, especially in the way cultures interact and clash. Mau's culture is deeply impacted by the arrival of foreign people, and the story asks poignant questions about what it means to belong to a nation or a people.

### **Tone and Style**:
While *Nation* is written with Pratchett's characteristic wit and humor, it also delves into more serious and philosophical territory than many of his *Discworld* books. It has moments of quiet introspection as well as action and adventure, making it a powerful blend of entertaining and reflective storytelling.

### **Awards and Reception**:
*Nation* was widely acclaimed upon its release and was shortlisted for major literary awards, including the **Carnegie Medal**. It remains one of Pratchett's most beloved standalone novels, praised for its deep emotional resonance and mature handling of complex themes.

For readers familiar with Pratchett's humor and inventive world-building, *Nation* offers a fresh take that showcases his versatility as a storyteller while retaining the warmth and thoughtfulness that mark his best works.