47 pages 1 hour read

Paul Theroux

The Mosquito Coast

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1981

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Mosquito Coast, 13-year-old Charlie Fox narrates the story of his father, a brilliant but increasingly paranoid inventor named Allie Fox, who relocates his family from New England to the jungles of Honduras to create a self-sufficient settlement. As Allie's delusions worsen, the family faces numerous challenges, including survival in the wilderness and conflicts with local communities, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The book deals with mental health issues, family trauma, and colonialist attitudes.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Paul Theroux's The Mosquito Coast has garnered acclaim for its compelling narrative and complex character development, particularly the portrayal of protagonist Allie Fox. Critics praise its vivid descriptions and thought-provoking themes. However, some find the pacing uneven and the protagonist's obsession challenging. Overall, it's celebrated for its originality and depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Mosquito Coast?

A reader who enjoys The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux would appreciate adventure novels with complex characters and themes of survival and innovation. Ideal for fans of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, this book appeals to those who crave a deep exploration of human nature and remote settings.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Lexile Level

720

Book Details

Genre

Action / Adventure

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Society: Colonialism

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Topics

History: World