Monstrous Regiment – Summary
Monstrous Regiment is a captivating fantasy novel set in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld universe. The story follows Polly Perks, a young woman who disguises herself as a boy to join the army of Borogravia, a small, backwards country constantly at war with its neighbours. Polly’s primary motivation is to find her brother Paul, who has gone missing in the conflict.
As Polly enlists under the alias “Oliver”, she encounters a diverse group of recruits, including a vampire named Maladict, a troll called Carborundum, and an Igor. The squad is led by the inexperienced Lieutenant Blouse and the seasoned, cunning Sergeant Jackrum. As they march towards the front lines, Polly gradually discovers that she’s not the only one in disguise – in fact, her entire squad consists of women masquerading as men.
The regiment’s journey is fraught with challenges, both from the enemy and from within their own ranks. They face the repulsively patriotic Corporal Strappi, navigate the complexities of maintaining their disguises, and confront the harsh realities of war. Their exploits gain notoriety, particularly after they unknowingly subdue an elite Zlobenian detachment, including Prince Heinrich.
As the story progresses, the regiment infiltrates the enemy’s stronghold, the Keep, disguised as washerwomen. They successfully free captured Borogravian troops, but their true identities are revealed in the process. This leads to a confrontation with their own military leadership, where Sergeant Jackrum dramatically exposes that many of Borogravia’s top officers, including the Chief of the General Staff, are also women in disguise.
The climax of the novel features a supernatural intervention by the Duchess of Borogravia, who briefly possesses one of the soldiers to urge an end to the senseless conflict. This revelation, combined with the exposure of the widespread presence of women in the military, leads to significant changes in Borogravian society and military policy.
The novel concludes with a fragile peace, but hints at future conflicts. Polly, having found her brother and gained valuable experience, prepares to lead a new group of female recruits in the ongoing struggle for equality and peace.
Key themes:
- Gender roles and identity
- The absurdity of war and blind patriotism
- Religious fanaticism and its impact on society
- The power of disguise and perception
- Camaraderie and loyalty in adverse circumstances
- Challenging societal norms and traditions
Character Details
Polly Perks
Polly is the protagonist of the novel, a resourceful and determined young woman who disguises herself as a boy to join the army. She’s driven by the desire to find her missing brother and save her family’s inn. Polly is quick-witted, adaptable, and grows increasingly confident in her abilities as the story progresses. Her journey from a tavern girl to a capable soldier and leader forms the heart of the narrative.
Sergeant Jackrum
Sergeant Jackrum is a seasoned, larger-than-life military veteran who becomes a mentor and protector to the disguised recruits. Jackrum is cunning, fierce, and deeply loyal to his soldiers. Despite his gruff exterior, he shows a surprising depth of understanding and compassion. Jackrum harbours his own secret, which plays a crucial role in the story’s climax.
Lieutenant Blouse
Lieutenant Blouse is the inexperienced, naive officer in charge of the regiment. Initially seen as incompetent due to his background as a desk clerk, Blouse proves to be more capable than expected. His unconventional approach and willingness to learn from his troops make him an unexpectedly effective leader.
Maladict
Maladict is a vampire who joins the army to satisfy his craving for coffee instead of blood. Witty and sardonic, Maladict adds a touch of dark humour to the group. His struggle with coffee withdrawal parallels the challenges faced by the other characters in maintaining their disguises.
Corporal Strappi
Corporal Strappi is the antagonistic, overly patriotic soldier who makes life difficult for the new recruits. His extreme devotion to Borogravia’s questionable causes and his bullying behaviour make him a foil for the more reasonable characters in the story.
Reader Fit
Monstrous Regiment will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Fantasy with a satirical edge
- Explorations of gender roles and identity
- Military fiction with a twist
- Character-driven narratives
- Social commentary wrapped in humour
- The Discworld series and Terry Pratchett’s unique style
It’s particularly suited for those interested in feminist themes, the absurdities of war, and stories that challenge societal norms. Fans of Pratchett’s other works will find familiar elements, but the book also stands well on its own for newcomers to the Discworld series.
Quick Facts
Genre: Fantasy, Satire
Publication Year: 2003
Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
Notable Awards: Nominated for Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 2004
Related Books
- “Going Postal” by Terry Pratchett – Another Discworld novel that tackles societal institutions with humour and insight.
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – A collaborative work that shares Pratchett’s satirical approach to fantasy.
- “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black – A fantasy novel with strong female characters navigating complex political landscapes.
