YA book review: Divergent

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Ahh yes.  But of course. When in doubt with young adult fiction, write another dystopian book, preferably the first of three.

'Divergent' by Veronica Roth is good fun. More of the controlled, perfect world where people are assessed and placed into one of five groups according to personality type at the age of 16. Except that Beatrice (surprise, surprise) doesn't fit her family group (boring old 'Abegnation' - the selfless) and has the opportunity to choose between her family group or 'Dauntless', the group that protects the whole community. They're on the edge of society, keeping the bad guys out. So, let's see. Can you guess which group our friend Beatrice chooses?

Oh well, I don't want to spoil the fun for you, so you'll just have to read it to find out the answer. But all is not as it seems. Beatrice is actually a 'Divergent'. That is, her personality test shows that she doesn't quite fit in any group (but of course, dark secret.  If anyone finds out ... she's a goner).

For the fans of 'The Hunger Games' but sadly nowhere near as good. But if you are in need of something dystopian to fill the HG gap, this will do it.

Comments

Jean said…
Have you read the "Uglies" series by Scott Westerfeld? Also dystopian; also enforced groups (in this case everyone is made beautiful at a certain age); also not as good as "The Hunger Games"; but a very enjoyable series by a decent author.
September 30, 2013 at 8:08 AM
Jenny said…
Yes Uglies is similar. And so is 'Matched' (life partner organised at 16) and so is 'City of Ember' (jobs organised at about 14ish?). 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry was the original idea I think - written in 1993. Same premise. I think I'm ready to write a PhD on YA dystopian now!!
September 30, 2013 at 9:16 AM
Jenny said…
I enjoyed 'Uglies' btw and so did my 13yo.
September 30, 2013 at 9:16 AM
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