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Title: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party
ISBN: B0013L2E04
Author:
M.T. Anderson
Publicate Date: 2006-09-12
Publish: 2006-09-12
List Price: $17.99
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Hardcover
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $8.65
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $7.11
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Tedious and pretentious
The premise of this book (a child raised by 19th century natural scientists as an "experiment") is so provocative that I grabbed it off the bookstore shelf and couldn't wait to read it. The description of Octavian's early life, and the unraveling of who the people are and why they are doing it, is fascinating. After the initial shock and curiosity, however, the plot plods along tediously. The writing is meant to evoke 19th century prose style, but it comes off as pretentious and I found it difficult to read. Once Octavian comes of age, I couldn't have cared less. I forced myself to get to the end, on a camping trip where I had nothing else to read, and will not be picking up any sequels.
Disclaimer: I am an adult and a rapid reader, I can't imagine the intended audience of middle-schooler's getting through this book.
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2: "F" ed up.
I knew some of the historical references when I read this but not all. This book goes to a dark dark place. I love the argument at the end. This book is a powerhouse.
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3: Interesting, but could have been better.
M. T. Anderson, The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, vol. I: The Pox Party (Candlewick, 2006)
While The Pox Party does take a while to get underway, it's quite an absorbing little book once it does. Anderson gives us the beginnings of the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of Octavian, an educated slave from Boston who only gradually becomes aware that he is a slave. Once he does, things start moving. Note that this seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it book, and the most common factor that I've found is the writing style, which is consciously archaic; if flowery language bogs you down, this definitely isn't a book for you. I did find that Anderson's writing style here hindered the pace at various times, and it took me a great deal longer to read this than it would have had he done even a little streamlining. I plan on reading the next book, but I probably won't look forward to it quite as much as I did to this one, now that I know what's coming. ***
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4: Challenging look at Race and 'Science"
By juxtaposing the French and American Revolutions with the scientific revolution the flaws and strengths of revolution are demonstrated. The scientific method's misuse is very well shown.
Octavian has a real, thoughtful, insightful voice and one is able to see things as he sees them. I have recommended the book to many of my high school students and they have been drawn in by the story it tells.They have thought and read more about the period. It has also sparked some great conversations.
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5: Brilliant and challenging!
I read this book a year ago and my twelve year old son just finished it. This book is not for every reader, but it is brilliant and extremely well written. The style of writing helps with the atmosphere of the story. It is not written(thank goodness) in a Dick and Jane style, but rather in a style appropriate to the time in which the story takes place. It is not for the faint at heart or people who are just looking for a light read. It will challenge the reader not just with the way it was written, but also with the political content. If you want a book that will make you think and enjoy beautiful writing, this is a book you will enjoy. Both this and the Book Thief are among my all time top ten favorites.
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