The citizens of Chicago belong to five different factions. These factions all value different things. Abnegation values selflessness and therefore make up the government. Erudite values knowledge and intellect so they are the scientists, doctors, and scholars. Dauntless values bravery and fearlessness, which makes them the protectors. Candor values honesty, so that makes them good lawyers. Amity values peace, and though it isn't explicitly stated in the novel, I pictured them as being Amish-like.
Every year, the sixteen year olds from each faction participate in aptitude tests that determine which faction they are best suited. Once given the results and time to think, there is what is called the Choosing Ceremony where each individual decides to either stay with their birth faction, or abandon their old life to join a new one.
Sixteen year old Beatrice Prior was born into Abnegation. Her life has always been good -- her mother is kind and loving, her father holds a position of power in the city, and her brother Caleb is like her best friend. However, something has always been missing. Though she tries hard, Beatrice has never mastered complete selflessness. While she should only be thinking of others, she finds she thinks of herself all too often. On the day of her aptitude test, Beatrice's results are deemed "inconclusive".
In a world where everyone has their place, this is very very bad. 'Divergent' is what her examiner calls her, along with a warning that she should never tell people what she is, less she want to end up dead. Beatrice must then decide whether she wants to abandon her family and the only home she has ever known, or stay and hope to learn to be selfless.
I wholeheartedly loved this book. It's 487 pages, but is so fast-paced that it flies by in no time. By the end I was disappointed that I have to wait so long for the sequel! Roth paints a very vivid world, and it's also nice for anyone who has ever been to Chicago, because while being dystopian, the setting feels very familiar.
The main protagonist Beatrice is a fantastic character. She is very multi-faceted, relatable, and at times super badass. The central conflict of the story is very fascinating and I'm really eager to see how it will eventually resolve itself in the next installments. I also adore Beatrice's love interest. Definitely grabbing up the next book right when it comes out!
For fans of:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Claire
Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness
Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld
-Sam
No comments:
Post a Comment