Book Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
I am a re-reader. If a story captures me, I will return and savor the world within its pages from time to time. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater is one of those favorites. It has all the bits and pieces I love in a tale: horses, female hero, horses, a touch of fantasy, horses. I think you get my point.
Set on Thisby, an island off the coast of Britain, it is the time of the annual November race of the Capall Uisce, or water horses on the ocean beaches. They are a stunning and deadly breed barely tamed for the races. Puck Connolly, a teenage girl has dared to be the first woman to enter the race on her normal mare Dove. She faces physical danger, as well as opposition from the male-dominated racers and organizers. With the help of fellow racer Sean Kendrick, Puck takes on the challenge.
Thisby is steeped in the rich history and mystique of the Capall Uisce. From the architecture of the Malvern Stables to the rites of the Scorpio festival led by Epona the mare goddess, Stiefvater sinks the reader into this world with her usual lyrical style. The juxtaposition of the hardscrabble life of the islanders to the mystique of the water horses is seamless and believable. I secretly wish the island existed somewhere in the wild Atlantic.
The riding scenes with both Puck and Sean feel true. Puck grew up on the back of a horse, yet when Dove faces the predatory water horses she acts as any horse; skittish and unfocused. Puck has to rely on all her skills and teachings to control Dove, such as visuals Sally Swift’s Centered Riding would approve. The bonds that Puck has for Dove, and Sean for his Uisce, Corr, is visceral. The final scene between an animal and a human is haunting.
One of the reasons I love this book is Stiefvater’s exploration of the female hero, a character type that has little attention and academic study. The female hero is not one that matches a classical male hero type who wins the day with brawn and power, but with characteristics that are either consider feminine, or something that may be considered a weakness. Puck uses Dove’s “normalness” to gain an advantage in the race. Water Horses want only to return to the sea, and racing too close the water will drive them mad. Dove’s seemingly disadvantage as a normal horse, suddenly becomes an asset.
Stiefvater writes for the young adult, fantasy market and The Scorpio Races falls into that genre. There are some mild references to sex and some blood, but overall the story is suitable for the young adult. Older readers will love the story as well since the story and writing are not childish. I hope you will give this gem a try. I’d love to hear your opinions.
