Haunting novel **Possible Spoilers for Nation**

[Tonyblack]

This book has been called a 'children's book' - I didn't feel that when I was reading it - the issues it dealt with were very grown-up although they were also issues that might effect a child as well.

[Colin]

'Nation' is a great novel ... for all ages.

[windle poons]

After only one reading I think its one of Terrys best up there with Nightwatch but Im not sure how many of the themes in it would go over childrens heads.
Bob

[Tonyblack]

I think a lot of them will go over their heads this time around, but when they read it again and again it'll hit the mark for sure.

But I think that goes for a lot of Terry's books.

[silverstreak]

I totally agree that it can be read by all ages.It struck me though,when I was reading it,that it could very well influence the developing minds of the younger readers.I mean that in a good and positive way.

[Tonyblack]

I totally agree that it can be read by all ages.It struck me though,when I was reading it,that it could very well influence the developing minds of the younger readers.I mean that in a good and positive way.

Yes indeed - maybe even help them to deal with such things as grief.

[chris.ph]

children have got to learn about mortality and a good read can teach alot without the pain of actual loss

[rentawitch]

did i spot a continuity error?

Er i mean other trouser leg of time moment.

someone is referred to as having more tattoos than the Edinburgh Festival.
The book is set in 19th century I believe.
According to Wikidpedia - WHICH IS NEVER WRONG LOL - the Edinburgh Tattoo has only been happening for 60 years.

Have I got this wrong?

[Tonyblack]

It seems, as you read this book (in fact it's very obvious) that this is an alternative reality of Earth, so maybe on that version of Earth the Edinburgh Tattoo has been going for much longer.

After all, I don't remember ever reading in a history book about the British Royal Family dying of flu.

Terry make a continuity error?

NEVER!

[Jinx]

No. He's always got a very carefully planned, get out clause. =D

[Dotsie]

Is the description Terry's, or one of the character's about someone else? If the description is coming from the writer, who's writing about past events, then it's a valid comment surely? I can't actually remember where this comment was in the book though.

Nerdy girl provides possible get-out clause then goes away

[TheMole]

Finished!

Well...it´s bloody good book, without doubt, but the last chapter ("Today")...I found it too much unbelievable - the technical progress of Nation and so on... But maybe I am wrong..and of course, in alternative realities, everything is possible

And mind you, surely I don´t believe that bit about Ermintrude´s grandmother - sitting next to Mrs. Gurgle and so on ... she just isn´t that kind of man (OK, woman)

[Tonyblack]

I wondered that about Mrs Gurgle and Ermintrude's grandmother. I did seem unlikely, but Mrs Gurgle seemed like a very persuasive person.

Ew - I'm eating my dinner you know!

[Dotsie]

By proxy? Or chewing yourself? Try not to think about it!

[TheMole]

I wondered that about Mrs Gurgle and Ermintrude's grandmother. I did seem unlikely, but Mrs Gurgle seemed like a very persuasive person.

but that was quite exactly the idea I got - "Mrs. Gurgle is surely woman of great powers, but even she cannot be SO persuasive.."