A review by oso1226
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

dark reflective tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I enjoyed the movie, but am SO glad I read the book. There were many changes from the source material—arguably not consequential ones, at least individually, but IMO the totality of these differences resulted in a significant departure from the book in terms of character and thematic elements.

Suzanne Collins really said, “Your pretentious classmate who makes sweeping statements about the inherent depravity and violence of ‘human nature’ is a selfish asshole who’s going to end up going to hell if they don’t get their head straight on.” And good for her. Good for her. 

Reminded me a little bit of one of my favorites, Tender is the Flesh, in that the protagonist is an excellent showcase of a truly horrible person who is probably more like you(/me/any of us) than is comfortable to admit. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings