“Thinking. This book contains some. Whether you try it at home is up to you.”
Mau was on his way back to his tiny island after his coming-of-age trial. He was supposed to be a man once he returned safely to the island. However, once there, he discovered that everyone had been swept away by the huge wave that he also met on the sea. To put the matter short, he met Daphne, who stranded on the island after the boat she was on brought by the tidal to the island, killing everyone else but her. The two began to communicate in their own ways (both didn’t understand the other’s language) and took care of each other.
“They didn't know why these things were funny. Sometimes you laugh because you've got no more room for crying. Sometimes you laugh because table manners on a beach are funny. And sometimes you laugh because you're alive, when you really shouldn't be.”
Filled with smart, witty dialogues,
Nation was beautiful and cute in its own way. It was the story of two people, from completely different worlds, trying to survive together. This was a fine example of coming-of-age story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the two navigated their ways in the new situation. The characters also questioned things and subsequently, made me questioned them too. Heavy in philosophical, moral and theological aspects, I think it showed that science and religion is one entity.
“Religion is not an exact science. Sometimes, of course, neither is science.”
The ending was bittersweet. I admit I might’ve cried a little. However, should the book had ended in any other way—I would’ve thought less of it. The ending was fitting with Mau and Daphne each found their very own places in the world.
“No more words. We know them all, all the words that should not be said. But you have made my world more perfect.”
3.5 stars!
