The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves
Encyclopedia
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves (2008
) is a historical novel
for young readers written by M.T. Anderson
. It is the sequel to The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party
(2006). It was also named a Printz Honor book
in 2009.
article states that when viewed within the framework of Gothic fiction
, the Novanglian College of Lucidity can be equated with the "Gothic Castle" and the professors with "monsters".
2008 in literature
The year 2008 in literature involved some significant events and new books.-Events:*January 1 - In the 2008 New Year Honours, Hanif Kureishi , Jenny Uglow , Peter Vansittart and Debjani Chatterjee are all rewarded for "services to literature".*June 15 - Gore Vidal, asked in a New York Times...
) is a historical novel
Historical novel
According to Encyclopædia Britannica, a historical novel is-Development:An early example of historical prose fiction is Luó Guànzhōng's 14th century Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which covers one of the most important periods of Chinese history and left a lasting impact on Chinese culture.The...
for young readers written by M.T. Anderson
Matthew Tobin Anderson
Matthew Tobin Anderson, known as M. T. Anderson, is an American author, primarily of picture books for children and novels for young adults. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.-Biography:...
. It is the sequel to The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party is a historical novel for young readers written by M.T. Anderson. In November 2006, it won The National Book Award for Young People. It was also named a Printz Honor book in 2007...
(2006). It was also named a Printz Honor book
Michael L. Printz Award
The Michael L. Printz Award is an annual award in the United States for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a school librarian from Topeka, Kansas, who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association...
in 2009.
Characters
- Octavian: A boy of African descent, and technically a slave in the Gitney household, although he is brought up in luxury for much of his childhood. He is very skilled at the violin, quiet, and is fluent in Latin, French, and Greek.
- Mr. Gitney (03-01): The head of the Novanglian College of Lucidity, a group of scientists and philosophers, and the owner of Cassiopeia and Octavian.
- Dr. Trefusis (09-01): Octavian's classics teacher.
- Bono: A slave in the Gitney house whose full name is "Pro Bono". Bono and Octavian become good friends, until Bono is sold South, at which point he leaves a house key for Octavian in case Octavian ever wants to escape. After Bono is sent south we learn that he has escaped his new master.
Analysis
A School Library JournalSchool Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
article states that when viewed within the framework of Gothic fiction
Gothic fiction
Gothic fiction, sometimes referred to as Gothic horror, is a genre or mode of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance. Gothicism's origin is attributed to English author Horace Walpole, with his 1764 novel The Castle of Otranto, subtitled "A Gothic Story"...
, the Novanglian College of Lucidity can be equated with the "Gothic Castle" and the professors with "monsters".
See also
- Matthew Tobin AndersonMatthew Tobin AndersonMatthew Tobin Anderson, known as M. T. Anderson, is an American author, primarily of picture books for children and novels for young adults. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.-Biography:...
- American RevolutionAmerican RevolutionThe American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
- Boston, Massachusetts