by TerryPratchett (Author)
Alone on a desert island -- everything and everyone he knows and loves has been washed away in a storm -- Mau is the last surviving member of his nation. He's completely alone -- or so he thinks until he finds the ghost girl. She has no toes, wears strange lacy trousers like the grandfather bird, and gives him a stick that can make fire. Daphne, sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets trying to shoot the native boy. Thank goodness the powder was wet and the gun only produced a spark. She's certain her father, distant cousin of the Royal family, will come and rescue her but it seems, for now, that all she has for company is the boy and the foul-mouthed ship's parrot, until other survivors arrive to take refuge on the island. Together, Mau and Daphne discover some remarkable things (including how to milk a pig, and why spitting in beer is a good thing), and start to forge a new nation. Encompassing themes of death and nationhood, Terry Pratchett's new novel is, as can be expected, extremely funny, witty and wise. Mau's ancestors have something to teach us all. Mau just wishes they would shut up about it and let him get on with saving everyone's lives From the Hardcover edition.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Edition: Airport / Export ed
Publisher: Doubleday Children's Books
Published: 11 Sep 2008
ISBN 10: 0385613717
ISBN 13: 9780385613712
Children’s book age: 12+ Years
Prizes: Winner of Brit Writers' Awards: Published Writer of the Year 2010. Shortlisted for Carnegie Medal 2010.