Matt is a clone. He doesn’t know this at the beginning of the novel. He thinks he’s a normal child like he see’s on tv. He’s taken care of by Celia, who he knows as a mother (though she says she is not). He does the things a normal child does, except, he’s never really played with children. All he knows is Celia, and his solitary activities. When one day, a group of children come by the house, he can’t resist to go see them, and from there… everything changes. He discovers a hard life at the big house. He discovers that he’s a clone. He finds that no matter what, he’s a clone, he’s always going to be treated differently, he’s always going to be the odd one. Everyone is afraid of him, disgusted by him, or otherwise.
This powerful novel explores many issues, along with the growing up of this boy/clone. The morality of cloning is a theme. The difference between being what everyone expects you’ll be- evil, or dumb, or whatever- and changing their views or living better then that is an ongoing thing too. It was very emotional, with exciting adventures, great twists and turns, and a really well-written in a fresh way type of book. This book has won many awards since it came out in 2002.
I recommend this book! It was really excellent. My friend recommended it. I give it four stars! 4****!
For more info on “The House of the Scorpion” and Nancy Farmer, check out her website, here.