Nation

Alone on a desert islandeverything and everyone he knows and loves has been washed away in a stormMau is the last surviving member of his nation. Hes completely aloneor 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. Shes 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 ships 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 Pratchetts new novel is, as can be expected, extremely funny, witty and wise. Maus ancestors have something to teach us all. Mau just wishes they would shut up about it and let him get on with saving everyones lives!