Nation
by Terry Pratchett, Stephen Briggs · first published 1998
86% recommend14% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Standalone, non-Discworld novel that readers call the best concise showcase of Pratchett's humour and humanity; a strong pick for newcomers and fans who have already finished the Discworld books.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
The sea has taken everything. Mau is the only one left after a giant wave sweeps his island village away. But when much is taken, something is returned, and somewhere in the jungle Daphne...a girl from the other side of the globe — is the sole survivor of a ship destroyed by the same wave. Together the two confront the aftermath of catastrophe. Drawn by the smoke of Mau and Daphne's sheltering fire, other refugees slowly arrive: children without parents, mothers without babies, husbands without wives — all of them hungry and all of them frightened. As Mau and Daphne struggle to keep the small
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I'm currently reading Nation by Terry Pratchett. I have previously read all of the Discworld novels and thoroughly enjoyed them. Then last year I read the Terry Pratchett biography (also worth a read, IMO!), where it is mentioned…
on “Ask HN: What are you reading Feb 2024” ↗…any Pratchett and want to try it out, rather than read one of the many Discworld novels, or any of his sci-fi, or the Bromeliad or Johnny Maxwell trilogies, I'd instead recommend the stand-alone novel Nation. It is my opinion that it is the most concise demonstration of everything great about Pratchett's writing.
on “Discworld on Page and Screen, Part 1: Serious Comedy” ↗Terry Pratchett added these wonderful animals to the world in which his book Nation takes place (one of his very best books, if you ask me). He undoubtedly was inspired by this website
on “The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus” ↗…usually the book in which I encountered them for many years. vide Iain M. Banks "Use of weapons", Orson Scott Cars "Ender's Game", Vernor Vinge "Fire upon the deep" or Henry Kuttner novels, Terry Pratchett "Nation" If you don't remember the books you've read then change the books you are reading to some that have actual content not just crafty words.
on “Why read books if we can’t remember what’s in them?” ↗One of my favorite Pratchett books is Nation. It's actually not a Discworld book, but very much in the same vein. My wife and I listened to the audiobook (and then later both read it) and loved it. The Milk that Happens, when Daphne figures it…
on “Sir Terry Pratchett has died” ↗Huh, I just read this theory yesterday in Nation by Terry Pratchett. I'm going back and reading the few books of his I missed.
on “Female Chimps Seen Making, Wielding Spears” ↗Several have mentioned Terry Pratchett's discworld books, which are awesome, but I have a special place in my heart for one of his non-discworld books, Nation. Inspiring story about survival, helping others, finding truth, breaking down barriers, and with some great humor too of course. "Does not happen!"
on “Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life?” ↗I really enjoyed Terry Pratchett’s YA books with Dodger and Nation being favourites. Maybe see if you can get access to the librarian at your kid’s school? They’ll be experts
on “A kids' novel inspired me to simulate a gene drive on 86M genealogy profiles” ↗That somehow reminds me of the opening of Terry Pratchett's "Nation". Imagine waking up someday realizing that you're all that's left of "your nation". And then going on for decades alone. Now that's a frightening thought.
on “Man of the Hole” ↗