SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater

Bibliographic

Stiefvater, Maggie. 2011. THE SCORPIO RACES. New York: Scholastic. ISBN: 9780545224901

Plot Summary

This novel follows two main characters, Sean Kendrick and Kate “Puck” Connolly. They live on an island that is inhabited by dangerous, flesh eating Capaill Uisce, or water horses. Once a year, a race is held where the citizens of the island ride the Capaill Uisce. Both Sean and Puck enter the races for different reasons, but they are drawn together by their love for their island and their horses.

Critical Analysis

-          Characters

The two main characters of the story are credible and have viable reasons for braving the races. Each lost their parents in tragic ways which makes the reader want both of them to win the Scorpio Races, but only one can. Sean is quiet and brooding, but the reader can see his inner struggle and his wish for freedom. Puck wants to keep her family together. Both of the characters grow and learn something about what they want out of life, while at the same time falling in love with each other.

-          Plot

The plot of the story all leads to the races. The twists in the story have to do more with the characters and their inner struggles. Puck’s storyline is one of bravery and self-discovery. Sean’s plotline is about his yearning for freedom.

-          Setting

The setting of the story is on a lonely little island called Thisby. It is misty and humid, but the mystery of island lends ancient beauty. The island is just as important to the story as the characters. The details are beautiful and creepy at the same time. They paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

-          Theme

The theme of this novel has to do with freedom, love, and loyalty. Sean has ridden and won the past four Scorpio Races on the same Capaill Uisce. He wants to be free of his employer, but he doesn’t want to leave the island or his horse. He is torn, but by the end he sees true love and loyalty. Puck wants to keep her failing family together, but she soon realizes that she can’t. She also has to find the balance between freedom, loyalty, and love.

-          Style

Stiefvater’s style in this low fantasy is unique and believable. There is no explanation as to why the Capaill Uisce come ashore in the fall and only seem to come ashore on their island. Also, there is not a clear reason as to why the citizens of Thisby feel the need to race these dangerous water horses each year. Instead of hampering the believability of the story, the lack of explanation actual lends to the mystery of it. The island and its beliefs are ancient and the reasons for some of the rituals are long forgotten (such as the ritual of standing on a stained rock and cutting ones hand in order to enter the races.) The fantasy of the novel is just accepted.

Review Excerpts

*Positive reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and School Library Journal

*2011 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Winner

Connections

Connecting this story with other Celtic myths involving the Capaill Uisce will provided more background for the story and will bring the legend to life. Also, a movie about horse racing (like Hidalgo) could be shown to provide a fun way to picture the Scorpio races.