Divergent - Veronica Roth

Divergent, a title so strong the words printed inside the pages have to grip the reader with tense instances of suspense and thrill. A challenging task but one Veronica Roth succeeds with distinction. Here’s why:

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the world was separated into five factions? Five categories to choose from when you reach the age of 16. Do you stay with your family and obide by the rules you grew up with, or challenge your comfort zone and explore a new race? Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, Amity and Candor, where would you belong?

Roth allows us to experience such a contrasting world in her book ‘Divergent’. We are educated about each faction’s history and reasoning for belonging in this new, post-war world. What each district provides to create a world so defiant against war, but there’s always someone who wants a fight. Written through the eyes of sixteen year old Beatrice, we witness her making her decision which makes and breaks a lot of aspects in her life. Despite Beatrices’ best efforts to just be in her faction, she is confronted with challenges and occurences no sixteen year old should have to face during her grueling initiation process.There are moments of fantastic, nerve-wracking, nail biting moments on every other page where we question if Beatrice will survive. We meet interesting characters along the way who we grow to love and hate as they each play an effective role in Beatrices’ life. ’Divergent’ will make you question what you would do if you were in Beatrices’ shoes; could you locate and utilise inner courage and bravery to fight or would you be cowardice and bow down to authority?

The story reveals Roth’s fantastic imagination and clear brilliance for writing, however I must add that I found a flaw. The ending. For me, it felt too quick and easy considering the beautifully gripping build ups. I am not left yearning to know what happens next. For some you will love the ending, for me it was rushed. I would still recommend the book however, especially to those who enjoy being immersed into a whole new, futuristic, post-war world. So read it. It’s one way of experiencing a plan of action designed to keep the world at peace.

Picture a life full of choices, chance and challenges and that is what you will discover when reading this book. Roth’s writing grants us vivid images and breath taking moments as she takes us on a journey through the factions.