My overall rating of the book Divergent would be a 4/5 stars. I am a huge fan of dystopian fiction, but this book lacked some key parts of a dystopian novel. It was mentioned that this dystopian world seemed a little to comfortable to be dystopian, which looking back now, I completely agree.
I think that the aspect of a totalitarian government in this book was a bit contradictory and confusing. Since the government is made up of the Abnegation who are completely selfless, I don't see how they could allow the factions to continue. If the government itself was totalitarian, then the Abnegation would be forcing everybody to be selfless, which in turn would be selfish...catch my drift? Picking up what I'm laying down? Catching what I'm throwing? You rocking what I'm rolling? Okay, I'm done. :P
As for the people who think that the book focuses to much on the romance aspect of the novel, I can see where it would seem that way in parts, but I think that overall the message and theme were what stuck out the most. Themes like nature vs nurture, "faction" before blood, and many others that pertain to dystopian fiction.
I would recommend it to anybody who loves a good action book and can take the time to really analyze the hidden messages that are contained. Some of the things in this book really make you take a second look at your character, who you are, and who you want to be. In my opinion, that is one of the best yet hardest things to find in a novel.
I really enjoyed this review. We share a lot of the same thoughts actually! I also like that you added in that the reader has to be willing to read between the lines and dig deeper to enjoy all the book has to offer. Can you imagine how different your thoughts on the book would be if we didn't analyze it in class and on our own?
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