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A review by bookforthought
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I honestly didn't remember much (if anything) about this book. I enjoyed this re-read though as it gave me a chance to look at this series again through different eyes and, knowing broadly where we would end up, I could concentrate on smaller details I probably missed on my first read.
Despite being a strong conclusion to the trilogy, Mockingjay doesn't really feel like the strongest book in the series. The themes are there, the social commentary and critique too, but it felt as though the emotion was missing. The pace is quite uneven, and at times feels repetitive, with whole sections not really adding much in terms of plot and characterisation, but also failing in fully conveying the emotional state of the characters. It was certainly muted compared to the previous ones and the secondary characters didn't really get the space they deserved in my view.
Still, I appreciated it and the thoughtfulness that went into crafting this world and this story - which are closer to reality than might feel comfortable right now. There is a bleakness and a bittersweet feeling to this ending that will probably linger for a while longer, although this might be more a reflection of my own state of mind and feelings at the moment than the book itself.
I hadn't been tempted by reading the prequel before, but I might end up giving it a go after this re-read.
Despite being a strong conclusion to the trilogy, Mockingjay doesn't really feel like the strongest book in the series. The themes are there, the social commentary and critique too, but it felt as though the emotion was missing. The pace is quite uneven, and at times feels repetitive, with whole sections not really adding much in terms of plot and characterisation, but also failing in fully conveying the emotional state of the characters. It was certainly muted compared to the previous ones and the secondary characters didn't really get the space they deserved in my view.
Still, I appreciated it and the thoughtfulness that went into crafting this world and this story - which are closer to reality than might feel comfortable right now. There is a bleakness and a bittersweet feeling to this ending that will probably linger for a while longer, although this might be more a reflection of my own state of mind and feelings at the moment than the book itself.
I hadn't been tempted by reading the prequel before, but I might end up giving it a go after this re-read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail