Monstrous Regiment (novel)
Monstrous Regiment is a fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett in his Discworld series. It’s the 31st Discworld book and a satire about gender, war, and religion. The title nods to a historical tract about women rulers, and the cover of the UK edition humorously references a famous war photo.
The story is set in the small, strict country of Borogravia, where the ruling Nugganite faith bans lots of everyday things as “Abominations.” Borogravia is at war with Zlobenia, and its people are hungry and tired. Polly Perks, whose brother Paul is missing in action, wants to help her family’s tavern and find Paul. Because Borogravians believe women cannot own property, Polly disguises herself as a man and joins the army as Private Oliver Perks.
Polly joins a rough, loyal squad led by Sergeant Jackrum and the officious Corporal Strappi. Her fellow recruits include Tonker, Lofty, and Shufti, as well as a vampire named Maladict, a troll named Carborundum, and an Igor named Igor. One night a mysterious ally hints that Polly’s disguise will be safer if she acts more like a man. Polly soon discovers Lofty and Shufti are also women, and learns that many of the soldiers are fighting for their own reasons.
As the regiment moves toward the border, they learn the war is going badly for Borogravia: food is scarce and many troops are captured or on the run. The group earns some attention after a daring encounter with an elite Zlobenian unit, and their exploits are reported by William de Worde’s newspaper, The Ankh-Morpork Times. Commander Vimes follows events and privately helps the regiment from the shadows.
Inside a captured stronghold called the Keep, the Borogravians free prisoners and briefly take back control. Polly and most of the regiment are discovered to be women, and they are nearly discharged. Then Jackrum bursts in and reveals a surprising truth: many top officers are also women. In a dramatic moment, the Goddess Duchess—beloved by Borogravians—possesses Wazzer and urges the generals to stop the war and rebuild their country.
A shift happens. It’s revealed that Nuggan has faded away, and new Abominations are simply the product of fear and anxiety. A truce is negotiated, and the military rules change to allow women to serve openly. Polly’s personal story wraps up with revelations about Jackrum’s own gender and his retirement to be reunited with his son. Maladicta’s real name, Maladicta, is revealed, and Shufti discovers her baby’s father but rejects him for wanting only money. Paul is found alive, and Polly returns home to The Duchess tavern with Shufti. The other members of the regiment go on to live differently now that women can serve.
After the celebration, Polly sets out again, determined to find new ways to fight for peace. She reconnects with Maladicta and helps identify two more girls disguising themselves as boys, continuing her mission to reform war and society.
Reception and themes:
- The novel is praised for its weighty exploration of “the pity of war,” gender roles, and religious intolerance.
- Critics noted its satire of traditional gender expectations and its blend of humor with serious ideas.
- Reactions vary: some praise its energy and plotting, while others find it less subtle or more clunky. Overall, it’s seen as a strong entry that mixes fantasy with social commentary.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 19:42 (CET).