By: Sianna Mata

 

Author Veronica Roth’s first novel “Divergent” has become an extremely popular book. As a best-selling book, Divergent has gotten a lot of hype, and unlike a lot of books, it definitely lives up to it. Roth spent her time in college writing this bestseller as opposed to studying. Warning, not doing your homework doesn’t usually work to you’re a PERSON’S benefit.

In the post-apocalyptic world Roth created, society is set up in five factions that each value a certain quality. Abnegation values selflessness, Dauntless values courage, Amity values kindness, Erudite values intelligence, and Candor values truth. The story follows Beatrice Prior, a 16 year-old in the Abnegation faction who faces  the toughest decision of her life. Stay with boring ol’ Abnegation, or leave her family behind to adopt the exciting lifestyle of the Dauntless. Beatrice hoped the aptitude test would give her some clarity on what she should choose. The aptitude test is a simulation that determines which faction you would be best suited for, but in Beatrice’s case, a rare case indeed, she was sorted equally into 3 factions. Dauntless, Erudite, and Abnegation, being sorted into these factions meant Beatrice was Divergent. Divergent was special, Divergent was dangerous, but what did Divergent really mean?

The story is filled with twists and turns that will make it impossible to book the book down. For example when it comes down to choosing factions Beatrice’s brother makes a surprising decision. The characters, as well as the plot, are very well developed. The only bad point in this book is word choice. Roth tends to be repetitive with her verbs, but this being the only negative, it’s easy to overlook. A few good points are, relatable characters and connections to society nowadays. For example, the government is ruled by Abnegation, but the Erudite is constantly trying to take over the government. Along with action and romance this story includes some elements of friendship, jealousy, and peer pressure that a lot of teens will be able to relate to. It’s a story about being special, and about how to use that specialness in a good way, in that way it’s inspirational.

This is a fast paced novel filled with action, some mystery, a dash of sadness, and a sprinkle of romance. All these elements come together to form a story that appeals to everyone.