From the Bookshelf of Beyond Reality…

Terry Pratchett has been my favorite author since I happened to pick up one of his Discworld books in Scotland in 1999. Since then I have read everything by Terry that I can get my hands on and suffer withdrawal when waiting for his newest work. He has a one-of-kind, amazing mind. His imagination is brilliant and unending. His wit and insight to human nature are the stuff legends are made of. Frankly, I could praise Terry's work endlessly and encourage everyone who hasn’t picked up a Discworld n

Terry Pratchett has been my favorite author since I happened to pick up one of his Discworld books in Scotland in 1999. Since then I have read everything by Terry that I can get my hands on and suffer withdrawal when waiting for his newest work. He has a one-of-kind, amazing mind. His imagination is brilliant and unending. His wit and insight to human nature are the stuff legends are made of. Frankly, I could praise Terry's work endlessly and encourage everyone who hasn’t picked up a Discworld novel to run and get one right now, however, it would probably benefit readers more if I discussed the book I’m actually recommending.

Even if you shy away from fantasy writers, you will love this book. It is different from all of his previous work and I think it may be his greatest work. His being diagnosed with a form of early onset Alzheimer’s over a year ago may have influenced the thoughtful tone of the novel. It is certainly a cruel twist of fate that one so brilliant of mind with so much to share may have it stolen away, bit by bit, like stealing one piece of a jigsaw puzzle at a time.

The basic structure of the story involves Mau, a young boy whose home island is hit be a massive tidal wave destroying his entire tribe and civilization, The Nation. Mau’s entire world is destroyed, literally. The book then follows Mau and his journey to re-build the Nation.

Other characters are introduced as refugees come to the island. The most significant secondary character, who is really more of a co-hero, is a young English girl shipwrecked on the island. Her story provides an insightful parallel between the cotemporary, industrialized society of Britain as compared to the native island tribe that is Mau’s world.

I don’t want to overdo the review and give too much of the story away, but this book is a new classic and a must read. In a deceptively simple manner the book peels away all that makes us “safe” – your home, your family, your beliefs, your way of life – and asks what would you do if it was all suddenly gone, and you are only left with the raw substance of your soul completely exposed and alone. How would you move on?

However, please don’t be discouraged by the “thinking” tone of the book. There is just enough signature Pratchett humor to lighten the mood and keep you turning the pages.

Hope you pick this one up!