*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
In the world of Opium, a strip of land between America and Mexico, clones are not people. They are nothing more than animals; only replicas of the original person and disposable after serving their purpose. Matt happens to be a clone of the notorious El Patron. This means he is able to enjoy a comfortable oblivion while at the same time, is treated with contempt and torture. Matt continuously yearns to be acknowledged by those around him and later on, for freedom. As he matures and becomes more aware of his surroundings, Matt gradually learns the truth. The only option now is escape.
House of the Scorpion was a completely thought provoking, original, and utterly unique story. It would have placed quite high on any list of greatest young adult books had there not been the deadliest of all faults to have in a novel; an anti-climatic ending. The pace of the novel was very, very slow, causing me to lose interest quickly. It wasn’t until the first half of the story was finished before things began to pick up. Farmer kept building every event and each small detail, raising so much excitement and expectancy for the resolution only to leave readers with an abrupt conclusion. In other words, it was a terrible let down and disappointment.
This aside, there were many things that made the novel a wonderful read. Farmer was able to take many topics, such as immigration and clones, and compress them all into one novel. The exploration of each topic and all of its angles was just enough that readers were able to understand Farmer’s standpoint about what would happen in the future in relation to those topics. This was a great strength within the book as it gave more options for readers to connect to. Although House of the Scorpion contained many characters, making confusion for readers very likely, I felt like each character’s role was crucial and enhanced the story. One specific character that I thought was exceptional was Tom. He was the perfect foil, complementing Matt’s character very well. His death should not have occurred; Tom’s existence in the sequel would have made that novel even more interesting.
All in all, House of the Scorpion was an extraordinary novel but left me unsatisfied. It is not something that I would have decided to read had it not been a school assignment. Nonetheless, Farmer blew me away with all the strengths that the novel did contain. I can not wait for the sequel as my curiosity towards how Matt reigns over Opium outdoes the disappointment with Farmer’s ending. Because House of the Scorpion contained themes such as perseverance and exceeding expectations while also covering interesting topics, I would recommend this novel to those 14 years and older.
In the world of Opium, a strip of land between America and Mexico, clones are not people. They are nothing more than animals; only replicas of the original person and disposable after serving their purpose. Matt happens to be a clone of the notorious El Patron. This means he is able to enjoy a comfortable oblivion while at the same time, is treated with contempt and torture. Matt continuously yearns to be acknowledged by those around him and later on, for freedom. As he matures and becomes more aware of his surroundings, Matt gradually learns the truth. The only option now is escape.
House of the Scorpion was a completely thought provoking, original, and utterly unique story. It would have placed quite high on any list of greatest young adult books had there not been the deadliest of all faults to have in a novel; an anti-climatic ending. The pace of the novel was very, very slow, causing me to lose interest quickly. It wasn’t until the first half of the story was finished before things began to pick up. Farmer kept building every event and each small detail, raising so much excitement and expectancy for the resolution only to leave readers with an abrupt conclusion. In other words, it was a terrible let down and disappointment.
This aside, there were many things that made the novel a wonderful read. Farmer was able to take many topics, such as immigration and clones, and compress them all into one novel. The exploration of each topic and all of its angles was just enough that readers were able to understand Farmer’s standpoint about what would happen in the future in relation to those topics. This was a great strength within the book as it gave more options for readers to connect to. Although House of the Scorpion contained many characters, making confusion for readers very likely, I felt like each character’s role was crucial and enhanced the story. One specific character that I thought was exceptional was Tom. He was the perfect foil, complementing Matt’s character very well. His death should not have occurred; Tom’s existence in the sequel would have made that novel even more interesting.
All in all, House of the Scorpion was an extraordinary novel but left me unsatisfied. It is not something that I would have decided to read had it not been a school assignment. Nonetheless, Farmer blew me away with all the strengths that the novel did contain. I can not wait for the sequel as my curiosity towards how Matt reigns over Opium outdoes the disappointment with Farmer’s ending. Because House of the Scorpion contained themes such as perseverance and exceeding expectations while also covering interesting topics, I would recommend this novel to those 14 years and older.
Another long review! But again, not the longest so you are ok!
ReplyDeleteExcellent job considering multiple aspects of the novel, and choosing specific details for you support. I appreciate your feedback on the novel and will consider your points when teaching the novel again.
Remember that your review should NOT contain any spoilers, as the point is to get your audience to read (or avoid) the novel. If I was to read your review, I might still read the book, but would not be able to experience the same suspense since you gave away the ending.
I am also eagerly awaiting the sequel, can't wait to see what Farmer has in store - hopefully not another disappointment after so many pages!