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bree_h_reads 's review for:
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am so disappointed in myself for being such a “not like other girls” growing up that I never picked up these books. I’m blown away.
The main cast in this book were so well written and fleshed out, especially Katniss. From the jump you have such a clear picture of who she is and what she’s motivated by, and as the book goes on every struggle she has feels incredibly realistic and understandable for a 16-year-old in her situation. There was also a sense that all the other characters also had more to them, and their actions as characters were understandable. Effie’s slights against Katniss and Peeta (that she doesn’t even see as rude or classist) of course make sense for a woman raised in the privilege, comfort, and propaganda of the Capital. Of course Peeta is charismatic and can talk his way out of things, as he grew up in an abusive household and had to learn how to survive. Of course Haymitch is practical and suffering, he’s a deeply traumatised man that’s developed unhealthy coping mechanisms to cope with the trauma of his games. I think all the characters just felt really well done, more characters than the ones listed.
I think Collins also does an EXCELLENT job of establishing the world. There’s a certain level of grimness to the world, but you also have a great sense of why things are the way they are. You can pick apart where the Capital has kept people divided and sown discord to prevent rebellions, you can understand why District 12 is maybe a little more lax than the other districts. I think the way the world is constructed really lends well to the themes its exploring.
Speaking of the themes and plot, what an excellent exploration of the horrors of war and how that impacts children. I think other people have said it better than me, but honestly the book nails its exploration of war and violence, a dictatorship, and how an oppressive government controls its citizens.
Honestly, great book and I can’t believe I didn’t read it sooner. It’s especially relevant in our current political environment and I honestly recommend reading or re-reading it.
The main cast in this book were so well written and fleshed out, especially Katniss. From the jump you have such a clear picture of who she is and what she’s motivated by, and as the book goes on every struggle she has feels incredibly realistic and understandable for a 16-year-old in her situation. There was also a sense that all the other characters also had more to them, and their actions as characters were understandable. Effie’s slights against Katniss and Peeta (that she doesn’t even see as rude or classist) of course make sense for a woman raised in the privilege, comfort, and propaganda of the Capital. Of course Peeta is charismatic and can talk his way out of things, as he grew up in an abusive household and had to learn how to survive. Of course Haymitch is practical and suffering, he’s a deeply traumatised man that’s developed unhealthy coping mechanisms to cope with the trauma of his games. I think all the characters just felt really well done, more characters than the ones listed.
I think Collins also does an EXCELLENT job of establishing the world. There’s a certain level of grimness to the world, but you also have a great sense of why things are the way they are. You can pick apart where the Capital has kept people divided and sown discord to prevent rebellions, you can understand why District 12 is maybe a little more lax than the other districts. I think the way the world is constructed really lends well to the themes its exploring.
Speaking of the themes and plot, what an excellent exploration of the horrors of war and how that impacts children. I think other people have said it better than me, but honestly the book nails its exploration of war and violence, a dictatorship, and how an oppressive government controls its citizens.
Honestly, great book and I can’t believe I didn’t read it sooner. It’s especially relevant in our current political environment and I honestly recommend reading or re-reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Grief, Suicide attempt, Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Police brutality