69 pages 2 hours read

Nancy Farmer

The House of the Scorpion

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The House of the Scorpion, set in the futuristic country of Opium, follows the life of Matt, a clone of the drug lord El Patrón, as he grapples with his identity and the ethical dilemmas of cloning. Raised in isolation, Matt struggles with acceptance and respect while uncovering sinister plans for his body. He fights against oppressive systems and seeks to dismantle his creator’s empire. The book contains themes of abuse and ethical dilemmas related to cloning.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer is widely acclaimed for its thought-provoking exploration of identity and ethics within a dystopian landscape. Critics praise its compelling characters and suspenseful plot. Some readers, however, find the pacing uneven and the latter parts rushed. Overall, it's regarded as a rich, engaging narrative suitable for both teens and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The House of the Scorpion?

Fans of dystopian and science fiction novels like The Giver and Ender's Game will enjoy The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. This thought-provoking tale explores themes of identity, ethics, and humanity through the eyes of a young clone in a futuristic society. Ideal for readers aged 12 and up who crave moral complexity and imaginative worlds.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Themes

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Topics

Education