So the first day of the 'yearathon' is almost over; and guess what... I have completed the 'Hunger Games'.
I started this book from the beginning again this morning; with the introduction of Katniss Everdeen who is flung very quickly into a death competition and a terrible love story. I have read many reviews of this book... the poor writing quality... the lack of emotions... elements of the story...
Well what I found was quite different; the writing seems to be delivered in a rather blatant manner and in a story that has so much brutality and so much death... how could you read it with the floaty beautiful words? Could you imagine reading Rue's death where they talk about every tiny little detail... it would have taken the shock and bluntness out of the whole scene. The lack of details is very symbolic of how horrific and numbing an experience like that would be... how the shock would knock the details out of focus and having those details in the book would have taken something very unique from the moment.
The question of the lack of emotion... the story didn't express as many emotions as I would have thought... even the second time reading it... even with the anticipation of the different deaths and the fear of losing Peeta... there were moments that tugged at the heart strings but these seem to orientate towards the end of the book. The beginning of the book when Katniss is volunteering for her sister, mourning her father and the 'fear' of losing her mother again and again... I didn't feel it... I associated it but it didn't make me gasp or cry or even want to hold them.
The elements of the story... how many people could pull off a book about children killing children for sports? True some of the elements were considered to be over the top... but maybe that attack of the senses is what is needed to make a person remember the savagery of human behaviour... to demonstrate how in any person can be put into a situation where they will do what they must to survive. However there is great balance in this book... fear... anger and love all mushed into one... fear of losing the one they love... the willingness to do anything to keep them safe... the pure fundamentals of human behaviour.
Overall I would give this a definite four out of five (****) however maybe a four-point-five if there were minor changes....
What do you think????? Have you read The Hunger Games?? What did you think?? What would you change if you could spend a day in Suzanne Collins' shoes???
Looking forward to reading your replies.... don't be shy
Helen x
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