A book series that does not need an introduction. The Hunger Games – home to one of YA’s most famous strong female leads, probably one of the biggest love triangles in the world of books and one of the most famous book-to-film adaptations. I’ve not read The Hunger Games until this year so here’s my, very late, thoughts and feelings on the first instalment of the series.
In a time where the United States of America has fallen, Panem was born and with it a Capitol and 12 Districts. The higher the district number, the more poverty stricken it's residents become - there was an uprising and the rebels lost and The Hunger Games were born. Every year a male and female tribute are drawn from each District, and only one will make it out alive. The first novel begins on the morning of the 74th Hunger Games reaping, we meet Katniss Everdeen - a resident of District 12. She is strong-willed, hard-hearted and incredibly determined to do whatever she can to keep her little sister Primrose safe. She wasn't counting on Prim being reaped for the Games.
The story follows Katniss as she captures the attention of the Capitol by volunteering to take Primrose's place, we watch her wavering trust-levels in fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (who saved Katniss' life years prior) and we follow Katniss as she navigates the various obstacles as she tries to fulfil her promise to Prim - that she will come home.
Usually I start my reviews with a discussion on the lead character, but I've just got to say - how great is book Peeta?! I definitely wasn't expecting to be as big of a fan of him because he wasn't a favourite of mine in the films, but he is incredible in the books and definitely my favourite character. He is honest, genuine and incredibly selfless and caring, I could not rave about him more. Katniss, on the other hand, while I definitely root for her and she is, undeniably, a strong female lead - there is something about her in this book that you just don't love about her. I know she is overall a hard to love character in the story anyway - perhaps this is an intentional move by the author that we will see pay off with an incredible character arc throughout the next two books.
The pacing and level of description of the book lend themselves well to make this an easy page turner, you get enough back story of the dystopian world for it to feel fleshed out but not bogged down. I know from the films there is still more to come but you are told enough to get through this book easily. Speaking of the film, a quick note on the book-to-film adaption - the film makers did incredibly well! Most of the important parts were included and while the Games lasted longer in the book than the film, the film does get most of the important moments right.
Suzanne Collins does an incredible job creating a world that you would not want to live in, from the barbaric games to the everyday struggles - the book makes you feel uncomfortable about the differing lives between Districts that very much mirror life across the world today. While reality television hasn't quite got us battling to the death just yet, you can definitely see elements of the book symbolising real life - it is very disturbing and highly uncomfortable but provides the book with extra layers that make it an important read.
One last note, I absolutely adore Rue and Thresh (our District 11 tributes) and I equally rooted for them throughout The Games as well. Of course this is just the beginning, and we have so much more to go - I can't wait to see where the next two books take us.
Thanks for reading,
Rhi.
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