So although there are only two of the three books published to date, I decided to forge ahead and read Veronica Roth’s Divergent Trilogy. The first two books, Divergent and Insurgent respectively, introduce us to a dystopian world of strict classifications, duty lines, and distinctions. While this world may not be the most realistic (no one is going to sit there and say “wow, this is really where our world is going to be in 50 years!”), Roth created an alternate reality that is both spooky and fun. Overall, I give the two books 3.5 stars. Maybe 3.75…
I can’t help but admit myself disappointed by these covers. I read both of them on my Kindle, so I didn’t see them until now…maybe a good thing?
Ok, let’s start with the spooky. First off, Roth makes it very clear that our heroine, Beatrice Prior turned Tris, is very very different. She does not fit in with her classmates, her community as a whole, or even her immediate family. Her closest relationship, which is with her older brother, is quite sad. All he does is show her up on being ‘the best’ in their community. And apparently, this separation from other individuals is typical of their faction, Abnegation (aka the act of denying oneself some rights, conveniences, etc. à more simply put, the act of being completely and utterly selfless). I know that heroes/heroines of dystopian novels are usually separated from most intimate relationships and interactions, but something about Roth’s descriptions makes Beatrice’s isolation all the more disturbing. She’s 16 years old and her entire world tells her that her very personality and way of thinking is wrong. Talk about screwing with some important development years.
Secondly, Roth’s construction of this dystopian world highlights contemporary issues of xenophobia. The entire society is set in future Chicago that is completely divided into different factions (Abnegation, Dauntless, Candor, Erudite, Amity, and factionless). It was interesting, though perhaps not all together convincing, to see Roth conceptualize a futuristic society that continually emphasizes categories, separations, and differences. She’s not exactly giving our world much hope here, is she?
But let’s jump to the fun parts now…both of the novels have loads of action, both the “on-screen” and “off-screen” types, if you know what I mean. Obviously, there’s a lot of fighting, both physical and verbal. When Beatrice chooses Dauntless over Abnegation at ‘The Choosing Ceremony,’ she has to change her entire outlook on life and embrace a part of her personality that she was forced to suppress previously. In this new faction, traits such as courage, fearlessness, and physical prowess are admired – so our characters’ pastimes include getting tattoos, learning how to fight and shoot guns, zip lining from ridiculously high places, and jumping on and off of moving trains. Basically, I would describe the Dauntless as a mix between a group of adrenaline junkies and a bloodthirsty gang. Although is bothered me that Beatrice, now called Tris, blindly accepted most of their truly idiotic behavior, it was fun to see her join in on the craziness.
As a whole, I would have to say that I have mixed feelings about these books. I’ll read the third just because I feel like I have to, but Roth left some major holes in her world building and her plot. I can look past the flaws in world building, but I happen to be really good at suspending my disbelief. However, there were some plot points that just left the reader confused and/or frustrated. And while I enjoyed Beatrice’s character for the majority of both books, she does get just downright annoying sometimes.
Ok, so I know I’ve left you guys with a less than clear review here. Let me try to clarify for you…I enjoyed my read a lot, but probably only because I was on vacation. I recommend it if you are looking for an easy, entertaining read and if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and just go with it.
Does that make more sense? Have I convinced you??
Churning Pages 