Teenager Katniss Everdeen, for the love of her younger sister Prim, volunteered to join a reality TV show wherein winning means fame and losing is a sure death. Her only hope for survival was her adept hunting skills, powered by the will to return home to her family. In her painful and treacherous road to either survival or death, Katniss developed new friendship, relived agonizing losses, and brewed hatred against the creators of the game.
The very concept of the book is unique and creative. As I read, I tried to imagine a combination of the reality TV shows Big Brother and Survivor, only there are no deaths involved. The simulation of the battlefield was also imaginative which I think can be compared to X-men’s Danger Room. Minus Stephani Meyer’s positive comments, I’m sure the book will attract readers even from just reading the synopsis.
The chapters were cleverly created. The last parts of each chapter ended in such a way that one would really be enticed to flip to the next pages. The book is filled with mind-boggling twists that completed a thriller package.
The reality TV show was very much “real” in the sense that it provided Katniss a sense of home. She found an ally and a sister in Rue. Her indifference to her mother was masked by thoughts on the healing abilities of her mother which she thought would be of great use in the game. The mockingjay reminded him of his father. Peeta provided the security in Gale’s absence. She hunted to survive. Almost every part of the game can be compared to her life except for the murders.
I liked the idea of including romance in a thriller. These are two extreme and overflowing emotions. However, I think author Collins overdid it in some chapters. I understand the need to portray a plot wherein the boy is in love with the girl but the latter isn’t. However, there were parts which I know I could compare with Twilight – utterly mushy. In my opinion, I think some of the overly romantic part could be replaced with more action or suspense. The deaths of some of the Tributes were quick. I was looking for a fight probably between Katniss or Foxface, Peeta or any of the Career tributes but none. Foxface has been mentioned since early in the game but died in a poorly played death. It would have been nice to see Katniss fight an equally capable female opponent in the end.
The manner in which the 2 tributes from District 12 won is predictable. If not for the rebellion part which was a teaser to the next book, it might have ended badly.
In general, The Hunger Games is very entertaining and witty. The flow of imagination, thrilling fight scenes, and unthinkable modes of survival were superbly written. It’s difficult to stop even from the first chapter. If not for the unnecessary romantic parts, I would have given it a perfect rating. (Don’t get me wrong. The romance in the book was also intelligently created. I just think that some chapters, especially in the last parts, could have produced much stronger impact.) Probably it is just my testosterones. Anyway, I give the book 4/5 stars.
(As posted in steddysoliloquy.blogspot.com)
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