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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
funny
Monstrous Regiment is the tale of Polly Perks who dresses like a man and joins the army. Even though it takes the beloved British past-time of cross-dressing and turns it upside down, it's all very serious. Borogravia, the country Polly is fighting for (well, she's really just looking for her brother) isn't a nice place. It's all Eastern-European dilapidation and lacks the magic of the Disc. Plus, Polly's a pretty flat character. I don't get a feel for her at all, other than she's a mouthpiece for whatever is on Pratchett's mind.
The book is at its best when it combines themes of gender discrimination and war with wacky comedy, which Pratchett is a master at. There is one scene about 3/4 of the way into the book involving a cross-dressing Lieutenant Blouse (who is male) that is worth reading the whole book for, even if the rest of the story is a slog, like the march of the Borogravian troops themselves.
As Pratchett ages and the Discworld series continues, it is having more and more Very Serious Moments. These are themes that are evident throughout Pratchett's work, but they're being pushed more and more to the forefront of his books at the sacrifice of tone and character. Sometimes they feel shoehorned in, like the religious zealotry of Borogravians and the fact that the coffee-deprived vampire is having visions of the Vietnam War. The Very Serious Moments just don't mesh with the overall zany tone of the Discworld. You can practically hear them clanking together.
I don't think the quality of the books have diminished, it's just that the atmosphere has changed, and it's not the perfect fit for me.
The book is at its best when it combines themes of gender discrimination and war with wacky comedy, which Pratchett is a master at. There is one scene about 3/4 of the way into the book involving a cross-dressing Lieutenant Blouse (who is male) that is worth reading the whole book for, even if the rest of the story is a slog, like the march of the Borogravian troops themselves.
As Pratchett ages and the Discworld series continues, it is having more and more Very Serious Moments. These are themes that are evident throughout Pratchett's work, but they're being pushed more and more to the forefront of his books at the sacrifice of tone and character. Sometimes they feel shoehorned in, like the religious zealotry of Borogravians and the fact that the coffee-deprived vampire is having visions of the Vietnam War. The Very Serious Moments just don't mesh with the overall zany tone of the Discworld. You can practically hear them clanking together.
I don't think the quality of the books have diminished, it's just that the atmosphere has changed, and it's not the perfect fit for me.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A first read this Terry Pratchett book years ago. Rereading it reminded me how good it is and what an astute observer of human nature he was.
This was a hard one to get through. Especially for a Discworld so late in the series; haven't been disappointed by one of these in a long time. Was teetering between 2 and 3 stars for most of the book, but it actually had a good ending, so that'll do it.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cut your hair. Put on trousers. Pack your bag. And don't forget to pack an extra pair of socks.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Violence, War
Minor: Sexual assault