Nation

A brilliantly funny new novel about cultural prejudices, communication and the challenges of growing up from the master story-teller and creator of Discworld in its 25th anniversary year.

Washed up on the shores of a remote island, two kids from cultures half a world apart have to learn to get along and survive.

Finding himself alone on a desert island when everything and everyone he knows and loved has been washed away in a huge storm, Mau, is the last surviving member of his nation. He is also completely alone- or so he thinks until he finds the ghost girl. She has no toes, wears strange lacy trousers like the grandfather bird and give him a stick which can make fire.

Daphne, a sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets truing to shoot the native boy. Thank goodness the powder was wet and the gun only produced a spark. She's certain her father, distant cousin of the Royal family, will come and rescue her but it seems, for now, all she has for company is the boy and the foul-mouthed ship's parrot.

As it happens they are not alone for long. Other survivor's start to arrive to take refuge on the island they call the Nation, and then raiders appear, accompanied by murderous mutineers from the Sweet Judy. Together, Mau and Daphne discover some remarkable things- including how to milk a pig and why spitting in beer is a good thing- and start to forge a new nation.

Inspired by the real-world events of the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883, Pratchett thoroughly researched the stories associated with this world-changing event. As can be expected from him, this new children's novel is both witty and wise, encompassing themes of death and nationhood, while being extremely funny. Mau's ancestors have something to teach us all. Mau just wishes they would shut up about it and let him get on with saving everyone's lives! Terry Pratchett is one of the most popular authors writing today and is the acclaimed creator of the bestselling Discworld series. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983 and there are now 36 books in the series the first Discworld novel for children, The Amazing Maurice and his educated Rodents, was published in 2001 and was awarded the 2001 Carnegie Medal. Long regarded as a significant satirist, Pratchett has won numerous literary awards, was appointed OBE in 1998 and has received four honorary doctorates.

In December 2007, Terry released a statement that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Since then, he has become Patron of The Alzheimer's Research Trust and has done a great deal of work to raise the profile of the important fundraising required as well as making a sizeable donation himself.

Nation
Random House Australia
Author: Terry Pratchett
ISBN: 9780385613705
Price: $49.95