Monstrous Regiment (novel)

Monstrous Regiment is a 2006 fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, the thirty-seventh book in his Discworld series. It is part of the sub-series focusing on the characters of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, although the Watch itself plays a relatively minor role. The story primarily revolves around Polly Perks, a young woman disguising herself as a man to join the army, and her experiences with the fictional nation of Borogravia, a country currently engaged in a lengthy and seemingly pointless war with its neighbour.

The novel explores themes of war, gender roles, identity, and the absurdity of bureaucracy and military life. Pratchett uses satire and humor to comment on the dehumanizing effects of conflict and the often-irrational nature of political decision-making. Polly's journey provides a perspective on the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, highlighting their resilience and resourcefulness. The narrative also examines the nature of belief and propaganda, questioning accepted truths and highlighting the manipulation of information.

Several recurring Discworld characters make appearances, including Captain Samuel Vimes, the commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, though his role is comparatively smaller than in other Watch-centric novels. The novel introduces a host of new characters, many of them equally memorable and eccentric, within the context of Borogravia’s army. These characters serve to both advance the plot and satirize various military tropes and stereotypes.

The title, "Monstrous Regiment," itself is a play on words referencing both the unusual number of women serving in the Borogravian army (unbeknownst to most) and the "monstrous" nature of war itself. The novel is considered by many fans to be one of Pratchett's more thoughtful and darkly comedic works. It blends his signature wit with a sharp critique of societal structures and the follies of humankind.