Monstrous Regiment

By: Terry Pratchett

Narrated by: Stephen Briggs

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

War has come to Discworld...again. And, to no one's great surprise, the conflict centers around the small, insufferably arrogant, strictly fundamentalist duchy of Borogravia, which has long prided itself on its ability to beat up on its neighbors. This time, however, it's Borogravia that's getting its long-overdue comeuppance, which has left the country severely drained of young men.

Ever since her brother Paul marched off to battle a year ago, Polly Perks has been running The Duchess, her family's inn, even though the revered national deity, Nuggan, has decreed that female ownership of a business is an Abomination. To keep The Duchess in the family, Polly must find her missing sibling. So she cuts off her hair, dons masculine garb, and sets out to join him in this man's army.

Polly is afraid that someone will see through her disguise; a fear that proves groundless when the legendary Sergeant Jackrum accepts her without question. Or perhaps the sergeant is too desperate to discriminate, which would explain why a vampire, a troll, a zombie, a religious fanatic, and two uncommonly close "friends" are also eagerly welcomed into the fighting fold. Soon, Polly finds herself wondering about the myriad peculiarities of her new brothers-in-arms. It would appear that Polly "Ozzer" Perks is not the only grunt with a secret.

©2003 Terry Pratchett (P)2003 HarperCollins Publishers Inc.

Critic reviews

"Terry Pratchett's hilarious prose is significantly enhanced by the narrative skills of Stephen Briggs....Briggs and Pratchett are magnificent." (AudioFile)
"Thoroughly funny and surprisingly insightful." (Booklist)

I love how Stephen Briggs performs Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett is amazing, and the way Stephen Briggs performs the story is perfect. The feminism in this story is fantastic, and I feel so seen! Down to his comments about needing pockets and women's work being "monotonous, back breaking, and social".

Brilliant & engaging story with great narration

I've listened to a LOT of Terry Pratchett's work... this has been his best work so far! The story is crisp and engaging with dynamic characters and a story that keeps unfolding in delightfully surprising ways. Great voice work from Stephen Briggs, he really brings the characters to life! I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook!

Monstrously Funny!

There aren't as many female characters in Terry Pratchett's writing, but the stories where there are, such as this one, are very refreshing and never fails to entertain. Whether I'm driving or in the house, I can't help but laugh, to the point that people think I've got good "prescriptions". Well, I do. It's called Terry Pratchett in Audible.

One of the Discworld Best!

Even among Pratchett's many beguiling works, there are few that make me laugh out loud more than a couple of times. Monstrous Regiment had me laughing non-stop. The subtle wit - the not-so-subtle wit - it was entertaining and enjoyable.

The characters are almost all new, except for Commander Vimes (spelling?) who appears occasionally with his Watchmen. This was daunting to me, because I have grown attached to the Discworld regulars and feel a little overwhelmed when they don't appear in the novels. Nonetheless, the characters were well-developed and interesting from the very start.

There isn't much more to say without giving away parts of the story - suffice it to say that this unique "parody" of army life is also a rewarding and witty commentary on politics, feminism, and world peace. And it's hilarious. Riotous, even.

Pratchett continues to skewer society & culture.

Great narration and classic Pratchett story that holds up a mirror to society's ills. Recommended listening.

Pratchett's Best Social Satire w/ a Dash of Vimes

Practically Pratchett-Perfect in every way. Time we met an Igorina, too. Satisfying to the socks;)

Delightfully Satirical

I absolutely love this book. I have read it at least five times in hard copy and in audio and have loved it just as much each time. I can recommend this highly if you love satire. or even just like it.

Women's Rights Human Experience

Once again Terry Pratchett takes us down a tale of human feeling frailty and fate. He does it so easily it is possible to miss his consummate skill as a writer

I Love Terry Pratchett

Absolutely loved it. Witty, Fun, Entertaining, and entirely worth every second. I'll be rereading it and recommending it to all of my friends.

superb book about socks

absolutely great!!! one of my very favorites! Terry pratchett has such wonderful views into the world and I was so sad when the book ended. seriously great