Nation

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pratchett, T. 2008. NATION. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0061433012.

PLOT SUMMARY
In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami, young Mau, not yet a man, is the only survivor. Left on his own and with seemingly no hope of ever seeing another human being again, imagine Mau’s surprise when he meets a British girl who calls herself Daphne, another sole survivor of a horrible shipwreck. Together, the two must transcend language barriers, rebuild and lead the Nation, and come to grips with a world completely different from anything they’ve ever experienced, all while taking in more and more unexpected refugees and fighting off aggressive intruders. However, their new Nation may not be what it seems, and an ancient secret awaits the two fledgling leaders…

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
NATION, at its heart, is about adolescents becoming adults. This is not an uncommon theme in the young adult genre, but Pratchett manages to find a new and fresh take on the familiar formula and, in the process, creates a fascinating and fully-formed new world in the fictional Nation. Mau and Daphne are both fully-formed characters with all the subtle nuance of humanity; their interaction and chemistry carry the story, and the bond formed between the two, by the book’s end, is truly heartfelt. Their attempts to communicate are not only among the book’s best moments, but encourage understanding between different cultures through mutual codependence and willingness to work together. Mau and Daphne’s struggle for survival seems absolutely realistic, and both are pushed to extremes they have never thought possible for the survival of their new Nation; Mau’s frantic attempts to milk a wild pig are especially memorable. The book as a whole hinges on a large-scale plot twist that occurs towards the end, but fortunately, the twist is handled well, and although it is pure fantasy, it seems downright plausible in the world that Pratchett has created, giving the entire story a deeper meaning. An excellent and original work that warrants repeat readings.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST starred review: “Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The main characters are engaging and interesting, and are the perfect medium for the author's sly humor.”
HORN BOOK starred review: “It is hard to imagine a reader who won't feel welcomed into this nation.”

CONNECTIONS
*This is a story of survival, and encourages greater examination of human will. Invite the class to share their own survival stories. Consider expanding these stories into original fiction as a class.
*Other books about the human will to survive in extreme circumstances:
Editors of People Magazine. AMAZING STORIES OF SURVIVAL. ISBN 1933405244
Griffith, Cary. LOST IN THE WILD. ISBN 0873515897
Doeden, Matt. TRAPPED IN A CANYON!: AARON RALSTON’S STORY OF SURVIVAL. ISBN 0736867759