Review of Divergent by Veronica Roth

Review of Divergent by Veronica Roth

Review Written by Andrew Langer

 

            One dilemma that continues to plague me is what book to pick at the library for the summer reading challenge. The glass case full of literature is intriguing, yet frustrating. The amount of choices is kind of overwhelming, but I can’t seem to find any titles that grab my interest. A large part of my time there is spent looking up reviews to try to find something interesting. This time, however, I was unable to decide on what to pick, and I had been there a while. I flagged the librarian down and told her that I was into dystopian novels, and if she had any suggestions. What came up first was Divergent. I wasn’t sure about it, but we had to go and I took the first and second books as my choices. When we got home, the book sat on my dresser for a few days before I went to read it, and I can say with confidence that I regret that wait completely.

            Divergent is a dystopian novel set in an unrecognizable Chicago split into 5 factions, each having a primary value: selflessness, peace, truth, intelligence, and bravery. Beatrice is a young woman of the Abnegation, the selfless people. They wear unassuming clothing and draw no attention to themselves. Beatrice wants to follow in her parents’ footsteps and become the perfect daughter, but no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to be selfless enough. When it comes time for her to pick a faction, she chooses Dauntless, the brave. It’s a difficult adjustment, but she is one of the lucky ones able to keep up.

            Veronica elegantly weaves together multiple plots into one seamless experience for the reader. Beatrice struggles to come to terms with her feelings for her instructor as the world seems to fall apart around her. Rivalry among the ranks of the trainees ends in tragedy, while beneath it all a sinister plan to topple the 5 factions unfolds.

            The novel shows an example of how a divided society can collapse, perhaps as a model for our real-world division in politics and ideals. I think the choosing of the faction is somewhat symbolic as well because when we choose to “diverge” from what our family has chosen it can often cause conflict among the members. The plot isn’t entirely unique, with the novel often compared to The Hunger Games, but it certainly brings new ideas to the table. I feel that the book is more focused on action and adventure than it is on the dystopian society it’s set in. Comparing it to Unwind, Divergent doesn’t feel like it’s set in the real world, and the situation is so far removed from our own. It’s a good story, but not really what I was looking for. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an intriguing adventure that doesn’t require too much dedication to understand. My rating here is a 7/10, It is a good book, but it could be better.