Friday, 13 December 2019

Terry Pratchett - Monstrous Regiment


Rating: 5/5

Review:
A Pratchett gem

I think Monstrous Regiment is one of Terry Pratchett’s best – which is really saying something.

It is the story of Polly, who disguises herself as a man and joins the army to fight for Borogrovia, a benighted country, permanently at war with its neighbours, beset by absurd traditions and religious restrictions and on the verge of collapse. Pratchett uses this to make some very shrewd satirical points about sexism, oppressive religion, militaristic jingoism and so on. It’s also very funny and very readable. There is silly humour, some very sly humour and Pratchett’s wonderful subverting and playing with the clichés around vampires, trolls, Igors and so on to make some powerful social points while entertaining us hugely.

Probably little more need be said. Pratchett was a real master of his craft and he is at his best here. Very warmly recommended.

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