Monstrous Regiment is a literary fiction book by author Terry Pratchett.
War has come to Discworld…again. Unsurprisingly, the conflict revolves around the diminutive, unbearably arrogant, orthodox principality of Borogravia, which has long prided itself on its ability to defeat its neighbors. It was Borogravia that had been around for so long, that the country was severely depleted of young men.
Since her brother Paul went to war a year ago, Polly Perks has run The Duchess, her family’s inn, although the revered national god, Nuggan, has decreed that ownership Women’s businesses are Disgusting. To keep the Duchess with her family, Polly must find her missing sister. She cuts her hair, puts on a manly outfit, and begins to join his army.
Polly is afraid that someone will see her disguise; a fear proves unfounded when legendary Sergeant Jackrum accepts her without question. The sergeant is too desperate to discriminate, which would explain why a vampire, a troll, a zombie, a religious fanatic, and two unusually close “friends” are also desired. welcome to join the fight. Polly found herself wondering about the myriad characteristics of her new brothers-in-law. Looks like Polly “Ozzer” Perks isn’t the only one grumbling about a secret.
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.
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Monstrous Regiment
- Narrated by: Stephen Briggs
