A review by essentiallynovel
Divergent by Veronica Roth

4.0

I loved the movie for this story and finally got around to reading the book. In this first Divergent series novel we find Beatrice, later on known as Tris, a bit naive and unsure of herself. Throughout the book we see transformation take place as she learns more about herself, her limitations, her skills, her fears, her strengths, and even the world around her. The city she lives in has been broken up into 5 subgroups based off different virtues but each in their own way, primarily the Dauntless faction she becomes initiated into and the Erudite her brother initiated to, have strayed from their virtues and have become a bit radicalized due to leadership. Tris meets fellow Dauntless transfer Four and the two of them begin a relationship, first him as her trainer then as somewhat friends and finally a romance buds. (Thankfully there is no sexual content in this story whatsoever. There is some violence, both in the real world as well as her simulations where she faces her fears.) By the end of this first novel we find Tris and Four dealing with consequences both from their actions as well as the actions of the city's leadership. Throughout the book I find there are many notions for the reader to consider, especially in regards to other people. Tris is looked down upon because she came from a particular faction and others speculate and lie about those from Abnegation simply out of spite, ignorance, and ill-conceived superiority. Tris learns valuable lessons from both factions - the one she grew up in and the one she chose to join - and we see her mature as the book goes on. A rather light read for the genre but one I believe is well worth reading and one to put yourself in - which faction would you choose and why?

Rating: S:1, L:2, V:3