Book Review

‘Divergent’ — This Compelling Book Is a Perfect Introduction to Dystopian Fiction

Step into Veronica Roth’s entertaining, exciting, and addictive world

I fell in love with the dystopian YA (Young Adult) genre with Veronica Roth’s novel Divergent. My little sister introduced me to the movie adaptation of the book. I was intrigued and immediately read the book. I loved it! 🤩 It was like stepping into a new and outstanding world.

‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth

Goodreads rating: 4.16 My rating: 5 stars — A Must Read Genre: Dystopian YA (science fiction) Published: 2011 by HarperCollins Publishers

Divergent is a magnificent book 🙌 It’s action-packed, captivating, and has a slow and sweet romance.

The Plot

We follow our heroine Beatrice (Tris) Prior, who lives in a dystopian Chicago. The city is closed, and everything on the outside is dangerous.

To prevent conflicts, society is divided into factions based on their personality type. The factions are Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent), and Amity (the peaceful). Kids are born into their parents’ faction. When the kids turn 16, they get to decide which faction they will belong to. They must choose carefully because they only get one chance to make the right decision.

“Faction before blood.” — Veronica Roth

Tris learns she is a divergent since her aptitude test shows that she belongs in more than one faction. The leaders can’t control the divergents’ minds. Divergents are therefore defined as a danger to society and live with a constant threat to their lives.

Tris is born into Abnegation but chooses to leave her parents’ faction and join the Dauntless. Here she meets the mysterious Four, the instructor of the transfer initiates.

“I am not Abnegation. I am not Dauntless. I am Divergent. And I can’t be controlled.” ― Veronica Roth

My Thoughts

In Divergent, we meet rebellious teenagers fighting the system. Tris and Four are brave, make new friends, and get betrayed. This story is exciting, dramatic, and thought-provoking. It’s an intriguing concept to organize people based on personality type. And it’s not surprising when it turns out not to be such a good idea after all. Some disagree with the authorities’ leadership and rebel.

Tris’ personal growth throughout the book is touching and admirable. She could have made an easy choice and remained in Abnegation. Instead, she follows her dream, ventures into the unknown, and chooses Dauntless. A choice that leads to great danger for her life.

Tris gives us hope and courage. When you follow your dreams and work hard, anything is possible. If I had taught writing at school, I would have used Tris as a textbook example of character development.

“I might be in love with you.” He smiles a little. “I’m waiting until I’m sure to tell you, though.” — Veronica Roth

How about Four? Well, he is cool and delicious. My book review, my opinion. 😉 The question is, can he be trusted? Is it safe for Tris to tell him she is Divergent? And can he help her if she does?

Divergent has a beautiful love story. 💖 It is lovely to read about Tris and Four falling in love and fighting together for what they believe in.

The plot twist and turn, and new information constantly change the picture. Just the way we like it, right? Unpredictability is a good thing and compels you to read more. And more.

Read Divergent if you like exciting books that keep you engaged until the end, with a backdrop of delicious romance.

I like how Veronica Roth writes. Read the excerpt below to see if you do too.

“Wait a second,” Four says. I turn toward him, wondering which version of Four I’ll see now-the one who scolds me, or the one who climbs Ferris wheels with me. He smiles a little, but the smile doesn’t spread to his eyes, which look less tense and worried.

“You belong here, you know that?” he says. “You belong with us. It’ll be over soon, so just hold on, okay?”

He scratches behind his ear and looks away, like he’s embarrassed by what he said.

I stare at him. I feel my heartbeat everywhere, even in my toes. I feel like doing something bold, but I could just as easily walk away. I am not sure which option is smarter, or better. I am not sure that I care.

I reach out and take his hand. His fingers slide between mine. I can’t breathe.

I stare up at him, and he stares down at me. For a long moment, we stay that way. Then I pull my hand away and run after Uriah and Lynn and Marlene. Maybe now he thinks I’m stupid, or strange. Maybe it was worth it.” — Veronica Roth

Want to read more?

If you want to know more about the dystopian genre, check out this article: What is Dystopian Fiction? Definition and Characteristics

My review of ‘The Love Hypothesis’

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