The House Of the Scorpion: 1/5

November 21st 2009

For my group novel study, I am reading the book, “The House Of The Scorpion”. It is a 380-page novel written by Nancy Farmer. The title or cover gave me no idea about what the book could be about, until I read the back.

The first chapter introduces me to a character named Matt. He is six years old and living with his young guardian Celia among the “poppy fields”. He is an eager young child, and has almost never been outside his home. He is warned that danger lurks, and he must never be seen when on the inside. One day, Matt breaks free to follow some kids he saw pass by, but ends up cutting him self severely. The kids take Matt back to their mansion, the house of the Alacran to be stitched up, but he is recognized as a “clone”, and is thrown in a cell by the housekeeper Rosa. For six months Matt lived in a room full of sawdust and among his fesses. Finally one day, Rosa takes Matt to do a health check in front of the great “El Patron”. They discover the harm Rosa has inflicted on Matt, and she is taken away immediately. I later discover that Matt is El Patrons clone. El Patron gives Matt a bodyguard, and he officially is part of the Alacran household, but is portrayed as a “beast” and is sometimes neglected.

I think a lot happened in these first 76 pages. I have many questions about this piece I have read. Who exactly is El Patron and why is he feared among the Alacran household. Why does everyone think Matt is a beast because he is a clone? What is Tam Lin’s history, where did he come from?

For one, I am really glad the character Rosa was taken away, as she seemed to be the most vile and evil human I have ever read about. Maria, one among the Alacran kids seems like a nice character. She is the only one who sees humanity in Matt’s eyes, and spends time with him. Tam Lin, Matt’s bodyguard, is my favorite character. He has a very cool personality that is fun to read about.
So far, this book has proven that it is different and stands out among other books I’ve read. I look very much forward to read more, as I hope many of my questions will be answered.