First Response to Nation, by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett writes in his final author's note to Nation, "Thinking: This book contains some.  Whether you try it at home is up to you."  To try or not try at home is something of a recall joke, and while Nation has much wry humor and comical imagery, this novel is certainly no joke.  Pratchett's characters are deeply thoughtful and elements of the supernatural and exotic combine in a setting that is also historic and political.

Mau, a young Polynesian on a journey to manhood and Daphne, a young British maiden and possible heiress to the throne, meet on Mau's island, recently devastated by a killer tsunami.  A friendship and partnership forms between Mau and Daphne, who alternately and together narrate the formation and transition of a small of island of survivors to a blended nation of ancient lore and modern science.  The exotic location, replete with pantaloon birds, wild pigs and warring cannibalistic tribes is fictional, but Pratchett inserts natural science and historic references to the Age of Imperialism, creating what he calls, "a parallel universe."

Developing self-confidence, intelligence, spirituality and maturity are universal quests that challenge the cultural concepts of race, ethnicity, airs of superiority and even science.  In this parallel universe, Mau and Daphne struggle to defend and define their newly formed values and customs for the new nation.  From defending the helpless against natural disasters to disarming a mutinous British sailor, to reconstructing the old gods and government, Mau and Daphne succeed through wit and intelligence.  

"We cannot be stronger than the Empire," he said, "but we can be something it doesn't dare to be.  We can be weak.  The ghost girl told me about a man called Eyes-Ack New-Tan.  He was not a warrior, he had no spear, but the sun and the moon spun inside his head and he stood on the shoulder of giants.  The king of that time did him great honor because he knew the secrets of the sky.  And I have an idea.  I will talk to the ghost girl." (p.338, Pratchett)

Truly, this novel is both commentary on man and woman's intelligence and catalyst for thoughtful musings and discussions.