An alluring alternate universe -- The Hunger Games reviewed
June 17, 2014 | Ken Sparling | Comments (2)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by Megan
The Hunger Games is a fictional novel, where the author, Suzanne Collins, takes us to the heart of a dystopian society like no other. North America becomes a thing of the past, and is replaced by the nation Pamen. In the center of the city lays the Capitol, which is surrounded by 12 impoverished districts which at some point of the history has rebelled, now they pay the price. This result is the Hunger Games –- a fight to the finish where only one survives –- which reminds people that the cities they live remain in the shadows under the rules of the Capitol. At a reaping, tributes are chosen, and we’re introduced to the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. We are also presented to the second tribute, Peeta, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Suzanne Collins has put fervor into the world, characters, and themes created in the novel. The Hunger Games is a captivating book whose plot immerses you in an entire new universe, and you are unable to stop reading.
The novel has flawlessly incorporated its setting, characters and themes. There is such detailed world-building. Ms. Collins has surprisingly erected a fantastical and believable world just so carefully that Panem didn't seem quite as far-fetched as it might have been without the proper features. Everything from the craziness of the Capitol with their ridiculous priorities and fashion trends to the specialization of the districts and the mysterious District 13 rang just true enough for suspension of disbelief. Memorable characters ratchet up the tension, keeping the reader on edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she unexpectedly has much to learn about personal sentiments, especially her own for Peeta or her hunting partner Gale. Many themes (teenage anguish, love, poverty and more), add to the novel’s exciting adventure, wistful romance, and raw action creating conflict. For example, the sacrifices Katniss makes when she takes her sister's place in the Hunger Games. Populated by meticulous setting, three-dimensional characters, and great themes this is a superb tale recommended to many young readers.
The Hunger Games fascinates the reader with an alluring alternate universe and manages to enchant them every inch of the way to keep on reading. Ms. Collins illustrates the novel without the visual need of screen-play with extensive details. Characters also are brought to life as they are played out in our minds. Themes in the novel are able to enhance the intricate plot. The Hunger Games convince readers to crack the binding of the next two books in the series.