Staff Pick
When a devastating tsunami leaves behind only two survivors, they must survive sharks, starvation, mutineers, and cannibals to rebuild the Nation. Beautifully written and filled with both action and philosophy, this coming-of-age story explores the intersection of society with history, religion, science, and sacrifice. Terry Pratchett's stand-alone novel is my all-time favorite book — I've lost track of how many times I've reread it. Recommended By Carrie L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Alone on a desert island — everything and everyone he knows and loves has been washed away in a storm — Mau is the last surviving member of his nation. He's 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 gives him a stick that can make fire.
Daphne, sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets trying 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, that all she has for company is the boy and the foul-mouthed ship's parrot, until other survivors arrive to take refuge on the island. 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.
Encompassing themes of death and nationhood, Terry Pratchett's new novel is, as can be expected, extremely funny, witty and wise. 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
From the Hardcover edition.
Review
"... a wonderful story, by turns harrowing and triumphant....[A] book that can be read with great pleasure...as both a high-spirited yarn and a subtle examination of the risks and virtues of faith" New York Times
Review
"It's a terrific, thought-provoking book, and it ends wonderfully." Washington Post
Review
"Dark and sometimes funny, this complex tale asks the reader to consider a variety of issues, from identity and tradition to faith and prejudice." VOYA
Review
"The main characters are engaging and interesting, and are the perfect medium for the author's sly humor.... A rich and thought-provoking read." School Library Journal
Review
"Pratchett offers a vision of a deeply humane world." Bookmarks
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 novels have sold more than 65 million (give or take a few million) copies worldwide. In January 2009, Queen Elizabeth II made Pratchett a knight in recognition of his "services to literature." Sir Terry lives in England with his wife.