Book Review: Divergent

Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Publish Date: May 2011

Publisher:  Kathrine Tegen Books

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. (From GoodReads)

To be honest this wasn’t foremost on the list of to be read. However, after a friend’s fawning over it, I had to pick it up and see what the fuss was about. Perhaps I should pay closer attention to what my friends are reading in the future.
 

Tris from the beginning is a character I feel I can relate to. I can’t think of any child at the age of sixteen that doesn’t feel awkward and out of place in their home society.  Tris instead of cowering under the pressure of such chose to stand up and be brave. That very act shows her strong will. The fact that she cares about others as well, that shows her heart. I found myself liking Tris very much and the person she was trying to be. 

Tobias confused me at first. I wasn’t sure if he was a good guy or a bad one. Now that I understand him better I do like him very much. His principles are solid and he is more selfless than he will let on. He tries really hard to protect Tris from herself even if she doesn’t see it, or realize it. 

The book kept me on the edge of my chair. I was riveted from the first page until the last. I’m sad with the ending of the book. Well, I’m sad it come to an end so quickly, but the ending left a lot of things open to come. Divergent is a very solid read. I’m certainly marking the next book as a top to read book. ^_^

My Rating:

Touya