Synopses & Reviews
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 band safe and fed, they defy ancestral spirits, challenge death himself, and uncover a long-hidden secret that literally turns the world upside down. . . .
Internationally revered storyteller Terry Pratchett presents a breathtaking adventure of survival and discovery, and of the courage required to forge new beliefs.
Review
“A searching exploration of good and evil, fate and free will, both as broad and as deep as anything this brilliant author has produced so far. ” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Review
“A wonderful story, by turns harrowing and triumphant.” New York Times Book Review
Review
“Pratchetts examination of questions about religious belief, the nature of culture and what it means to be human [...] is a terrific, thought-provoking book.” Washington Post Book World
Review
“A classic survival tale that offers laughs and much to mull over, this is a wonderfully entertaining novel.” (starred review) KLIATT
Review
“Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.” Booklist (starred review)
Review
“Neatly balancing the somber and the wildly humorous in a riveting tale of discovery, Pratchett shows himself at the height of his powers.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Review
“It is hard to imagine a reader who wont feel welcomed into this nation.” Horn Book (starred review)
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“A rich and thought-provoking read.” School Library Journal (starred review)
Synopsis
New York Times Bestseller * Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize * Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award * Michael L. Printz Medal honor winner
From the pen of Sir Terry Pratchett, author of the beloved and bestselling Discworld fantasy series, comes an epic adventure of survival that mixes hope, humor, and humanity.
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.
Sir Terry also received a prestigious Printz Honor from the American Library Association for his novel Dodger.
About the Author
Terry Pratchett's books have sold more than 55 million copies worldwide (give or take a few million). In addition to his hit novels about the fantastical flat planet Discworld, he has written award-winning children's books, including the Johnny Maxwell trilogy and the bestselling Tiffany Aching Adventures. Mr. Pratchett received Britain's highest honor for a children's novel, the Carnegie Medal, for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. Mr. Pratchett has one grown-up daughter and lives in England with his wife and many cats.
As many of you know, beloved house author Terry Pratchett has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Terry has become active in fundraising efforts to support Alzheimer's research. Click here to read a speech Terry made to the Alzheimer's Research Trust Conference in the UK earlier this year. If you are interested in making a tax-free donation to to the Alzheimer's Association click here.