The House of the Scorpion

The book “House Of The Scorpion”  is a science fiction novel, it was written in 2002 but finally released in 2012. Nancy farmer, the author, mainly writes books of this genre, The book itself has a lot of twists and turns and made me never want to put it down. The book is 400 pages long and an easy read for people who are interested in its genre. The main story of this book was a child overcoming numerous obstacles  and learning that he is the one who makes the choices in his life, and that his biggest obstacle will be facing himself. All in all it’s a great book with a dark ending.

The setting of the book is in the land of “Opium”. Opium is a land that was given to the drug lord (El patron) as a piece offering from Mexico and the U.S. The land was named Opium because it is the main producer of the drug itself. The main character is named Matteo, but is referred to Matt throughout the book. Matt spent his early years living in a shack and not even being able to taste the air outside for reasons he did not know, Until one day he had heard voices outside. His care taker always warned him not to go outside, but he ignored that and did so anyway. On the outside world Matt experiences not only Character v. Character, Self, and nature, But society as well. He learns that he was one of many clones used for fresh parts for the now 148 year old drug lord. On his struggle to escape the many dangers he had come to, he realizes that he is Matteo realizes he no longer needs to run because no one is to harm him. With the new found knowledge, El patron sets a trap and welcomes him with open arms giving him education, love, and everything else a child would need. The day came when matt was to be harvested so the drug lord can continue to live, while on the table he finds himself thinking about hhis life, and comes to the conclusion that it was his turn to be the next El patron, and he leaves the drug lord to die, presenting himself to his property and his people.

I loved this book, it was my favorite of the four I read. It was full of so much intense drama and visual imaging that I never wanted to put it down, which is probably why I read it in a day. I would recommend this book because I have done so for friends and the all enjoyed it as much as I did. Its an easy read with a lot of action packed into one, it really sets a name for the genre of Science Fiction.  

Book Review by Brett B.