“Beatrice Prior is on the brink of a decision that will change her life. In a society divided into factions all are forced to choose where they belong. And the choice Tris makes shocks everyone, including herself. Once decisions are made, the new members are forced to undergo extreme initiation tests with devastating consequences. As their experience transforms them, Tris must determine who her friends are – and if the man who both threatens and protects her is really on her side. Because Tris has a deadly secret. And as growing conflict threatens to unravel their seemingly perfect society, this secret might save those Tris loves…or it might destroy her.”
What is the book about?
Beatrice Prior is 16 and must choose what faction she belongs in. This is a decision that will change her life forever and once she has chosen there is no going back, unless she wants to end up factionless: a fate worse than death. She must decide if she will stay with her family and be a member of the Abnegation or put “faction before blood” and make a decision that will alter her future. Once the choice has been made, the initiates must undergo extreme tests and trials before become a true member. Throughout this experience, the new initiates go through terrifying consequences and there is no way they will ever forget the horrifying events. Tris has a deadly secret that could be discovered at any moment, so she must be wary of the people around her, and who are friends and who are foe. Then as war grows nearer and everything seems lost and crumbling in their superficially perfect society, Tris must use her secret, which could save her loved ones…or threaten her life.
What were your initial thoughts on the book?
Divergent has always been a book that I have wanted to read, especially with all the interesting comments about it and the popularity of the books. However, I had never had the opportunity to read the book until a few days ago; because I have always had such a big book wish list that Divergent had never been able to reach the top. Last week, one of my friends made a joke at school about a butter knife and everyone looked confused. She looked at me expecting a laugh or even a smile but I was just as puzzled as the rest of my friends. My friend was shocked and she was so surprised that I hadn’t read Divergent that a couple days later she turned up at my door with the first and the second book, which she said I would need, though I didn’t know what she meant until I read it. When I received the books I was curious and not at all worried because I have always enjoyed the same books as my friend and always love the books she recommends; it has always been our own special thing. As soon as I started reading, I was absorbed into a new world and finally understood why my friend though I would need the second book that soon: I finished Divergent in 2 days; I finally understand what it is like to read a book that you just can’t put down.
Who was your favourite character and why?
My favourite character was Tris because of who she really was. I found it very interesting to see the different faction in Divergent and really see how they all focus on a strong quality: kindness, intelligence, honesty, selflessness and bravery. In my opinion, I think that all of these qualities are important in a person but the factions took them up to a whole new level, focusing on enhancing them to their full potential. I liked Tris because she was both selfless and brave. This meant that no matter how hard the Dauntless or the Abnegation tried to make her completely focus on one of the two, both were always a part of her and it would never change. I love how when Tris was at her bravest, she was always doing it to protect others showing that being selfless and being brave aren’t really that different. The selfless quality in her is also connected to kindness, and although she was always trying to be tough, she truly was a sweet person ready to put herself in someone else’s place in order to save them.
What was your favourite part of the book and why?
I think that the whole of the book was amazing and this is an extremely hard question to answer. If I really had to choose, my favourite part would most likely be near the end when Tris is in the midst of a huge war trying to help everyone while also making sure that none of the people, whose main aim is to kill her, catch her. This was the part where I finally understood the real meaning and importance of Divergence and why people hated it so much. I also liked this part because it was when Tris truly became herself and used all her talent and all the skills she had learnt during initiation to help her succeed. Tris was able to use both her most important and special qualities (bravery and selflessness) to then become the best warrior and use all her power for the good of people. At the start of the book, I thought it was weird how all the important qualities that made a person so special were singled out and I really loved how Tris learnt that bravery, selflessness and all of the others are actually connected.
What was your overall impression of the book?
Overall, I think that Divergent was amazing! There was absolutely nothing that could have changed and I loved it. I found that Divergent really absorbed me into the new world and I was so attached and desperate to read on that I finished the book in 2 days (though I only read at night). The beginning of the book had a lot less action and was mainly just new information and the introduction to the factions and Tris. However the start did not bore me as all of it was key to understanding the whole story. I actually loved it just as much as the action and found that it was actually a really intriguing part. During the book, there were always chapters ending in cliff-hangers or sometimes a continuation of the previous one so that urged the me to read on by leaving you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen to the characters. The last section of the book was mainly action and a bit of adventure. These chapters had a lot more going on and if I hadn’t been so focused on what was going on it would have most likely been extremely confusing. In my opinion, I think that every aspect of Divergent was extraordinary and I loved how it had elements of a lot of different genres and even a few hints of mystery.
Would you recommend this book?
Divergent is a clear example of a book that you cannot put down and I am sure that anyone who reads it will absolutely love it. I would specifically recommend this book for readers 14 or older. I think that the book is amazing and I really wish I could read it again for the first time.
Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)
A book that you absolutely cannot put down and will never forget.
Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego
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