The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: VOL 1, the Pox Party

Author: M.T. Anderson
Title: The Pox Party
Series: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing (VOL 1)
Number of Pages: 366
Publication Date: 206
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Synopsis: "It sounds like a fairy tale. He is a boy dressed in silks and white wigs and given the finest of classical educations. Raised by a group of rational philosophers known only by numbers, the boy and his mother — a princess in exile from a faraway land — are the only persons in their household assigned names. As the boy's regal mother, Cassiopeia, entertains the house scholars with her beauty and wit, young Octavian begins to question the purpose behind his guardians' fanatical studies. Only after he dares to open a forbidden door does he learn the hideous nature of their experiments — and his own chilling role in them. Set against the disquiet of Revolutionary Boston, M. T. Anderson's extraordinary novel takes place at a time when American Patriots rioted and battled to win liberty while African slaves were entreated to risk their lives for a freedom they would never claim. The first of two parts, this deeply provocative novel reimagines the past as an eerie place that has startling resonance for readers today."

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Vol 1, The Pox Party (wow, that's a mouth full) was really, really good, but it didn't pick up until halfway through part one.

 I must admit that the first part of the book was confusing, especially since I was, like, what on earth is going on here.
 My favorite thing about this book would have to the narration by Octavian as he told the story about his youth and his observations on his surroundings.
 The Novanglian College of Lucidity was frankly very weird and irked me to no end with their experiments on both Octavian and his mother and the reasons behind their experiments. But my least favorite character by far would have to have been Mr. Sharp I would tell you why, but it might give away too much about the book.
 I totally recommend reading The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: VOL 1, The Pox Party it is definitely worth the time.

The Pox Party earns 5 out of 5 pineapples. 

Orchid