Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3)

Title: Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3)

Author: Terry Pratchett

Published in: 2003

Date read: 7th December 2010

Score: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Monstrous Regiment" by Terry Pratchett is the 31st novel in his Discworld series, published in 2003. It's a sharp and often hilarious satire on war, gender roles, patriotism, and the absurdities of identity, set against the backdrop of a fierce conflict between two small Discworld nations.

The story takes place in the tiny, deeply conservative, and fiercely proud nation of Borogravia, a perpetually warring country ruled by a despotic, unseen Duchess and dedicated to the worship of its belligerent god, Nuggan. Nuggan's religion is characterized by an ever-growing list of "Abominations" – things that are forbidden, ranging from garlic to buttons to dwarves.

Borogravia is currently locked in a seemingly endless and unwinnable war against its more modern and organized neighbours, including Zlobenia and the mighty Grand Alliance. The Borogravian army has suffered devastating losses, and recruitment is at an all-time low.

The protagonist is Polly Perks, a young woman working in her family's pub, "The Duchess" (named after their ruler). Her brother, Paul, has gone off to fight in the war and, after weeks without news, Polly fears the worst. Driven by a desperate need to find him and bring him home (and a sense of duty, however reluctant), Polly makes a drastic decision: she cuts her hair, binds her breasts, and disguises herself as a boy named Oliver Perks to enlist in the Borogravian army. Women are strictly forbidden from military service by Nuggan's Abominations.

Polly quickly discovers that she is not alone in her deception. Her new squad, a motley collection of unlikely recruits, is filled with similarly disguised women. Each has their own compelling reason for enlisting, all disguised as men to fight for Borogravia:

Maladict: A vampire, desperately addicted to coffee and trying to appear less threatening.

Igor: A female Igor, who traditionally serve the noble families of Uberwald (though Igors are generally indistinguishable in gender to outsiders).

Lofty and Shufti: Two very large and seemingly intimidating women.

Tonker and Strappi: A pair of quick-witted and feisty women.

Carrot (the Dwarf): A cheerful, enthusiastic dwarf who is, in fact, female, hiding it to avoid her culture's rigid gender norms.

Their commander is the world-weary and cynical Lieutenant Blouse, who would rather be a botanist. He is accompanied by his long-suffering Sergeant Jackrum, a seasoned, no-nonsense veteran who seems surprisingly unconcerned by the blatant oddities of his new recruits, or perhaps knows more than he lets on.

The squad's journey takes them through war-torn landscapes, filled with mud, misery, and the constant threat of enemy forces. They face incompetence from their own side, the horrors of battle, and the absurdities of Borogravian dogma. Despite their individual quirks and lack of traditional military prowess, the "Monstrous Regiment" begins to forge an unlikely bond, relying on their collective cunning and determination to survive.

Meanwhile, the arrival of a foreign correspondent from Ankh-Morpork, William de Worde (from "The Truth"), and the famous war correspondent Otto Chriek (a vampire photographer), means that the world is finally taking notice of Borogravia's desperate war, and their unique army.

The climax involves the regiment finding themselves trapped in a strategic mountain pass, facing overwhelming enemy forces. They are forced to make a desperate stand, and in the chaos of battle, the truth of their identities begins to unravel. The novel then reveals surprising truths about Nuggan, the Duchess, and the true nature of Borogravian patriotism. "Monstrous Regiment" is a powerful and humorous exploration of identity, courage, and the often-unseen heroes of war, ultimately challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a "man" or a "woman" in a conflict.

Comments:
Another amazing book, this one teaches us all about war and diplomacy in way that even I can enjoy.

Books that we've read by Terry Pratchett (39):
The Colour of Magic (Discworld, #1; Rincewind, #1) (1983), The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2; Rincewind, #2) (1986), Equal Rites (Discworld, #3; Witches, #1) (1987), Mort (Discworld, #4; Death, #1) (1987), Sourcery (Discworld, #5; Rincewind, #3) (1988), Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches, #2) (1988), Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8; City Watch, #1) (1989), Pyramids (Discworld, #7) (1989), Eric (Discworld, #9; Rincewind, #4) (1990), Moving Pictures (Discworld, #10; Industrial Revolution, #1) (1990), Witches Abroad (Discworld, #12; Witches, #3) (1991), Reaper Man (Discworld, #11; Death, #2) (1991), Small Gods (Discworld, #13) (1992), Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches, #4) (1992), Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch, #2) (1993), Soul Music (Discworld, #16; Death, #3) (1994), Interesting Times (Discworld, #17; Rincewind, #5) (1994), Maskerade (Discworld, #18; Witches, #5) (1995), Feet of Clay (Discworld, #19; City Watch, #3) (1996), Hogfather (Discworld, #20; Death, #4) (1996), Jingo (Discworld, #21; City Watch, #4) (1997), Carpe Jugulum (Discworld, #23; Witches, #6) (1998), The Last Continent (Discworld, #22; Rincewind, #6) (1998), The Fifth Elephant (Discworld, #24; City Watch, #5) (1999), The Truth (Discworld, #25) (2000), The Last Hero (Discworld, #27; Rincewind, #7) (2001), Thief of Time (Discworld, #26; Death, #5) (2001), Night Watch (Discworld, #29; City Watch, #6) (2002), The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1) (2003), Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3) (2003), A Hat Full of Sky (Discworld, #32; Tiffany Aching, #2) (2004), Going Postal (Discworld, #33; Moist von Lipwig, #1) (2004), Thud! (Discworld, #34; City Watch, #7) (2005), Wintersmith (Discworld, #35; Tiffany Aching, #3) (2006), Making Money (Discworld, #36; Moist Von Lipwig, #2) (2007), Unseen Academicals (Discworld, #37; Rincewind, #8) (2009), I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld, #38; Tiffany Aching, #4) (2010), Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch, #8) (2011), Raising Steam (Discworld, #40; Moist von Lipwig, #3) (2013)