"Monstrous Regiment" is a satirical fantasy novel written by British author Terry Pratchett. It is the 31st book in the Discworld series, which is known for its humorous and often insightful commentary on various aspects of the human condition and society. "Monstrous Regiment" was first published in 2003.
The story is set in the Discworld, a flat, disc-shaped world supported by four giant elephants standing on the back of a gigantic turtle. It primarily follows the character of Polly Perks, a young woman who disguises herself as a man and joins the Borogravian army in search of her brother, who went missing in the military. Borogravia is a small and war-torn nation ruled by the tyrannical Duchess, and it is constantly at war with its neighbors.
Polly quickly discovers that she is not the only woman masquerading as a man in the army and that her fellow soldiers also have their own secrets and motivations. As she navigates the complexities of military life and faces the absurdity of war, she befriends an eclectic group of soldiers, each with their quirks and backgrounds.
Terry Pratchett uses the novel to explore themes of gender, identity, war, and societal expectations while delivering his trademark humor and wit. "Monstrous Regiment" is a clever and entertaining work that provides a fresh perspective on these issues within the context of a fantastical world. It's a thought-provoking and humorous take on the conventions of gender and power, as well as a critique of war and authoritarianism.
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