Catching Fire and Mockingjay (Hunger Games)

I don’t think I’ve ever described a work of fiction as “harrowing”, but that is what this trilogy was. I’ve been affected by books before- I cried when Dumbledore died, and rejoiced when Frodo got rid of the ring, but I don’t think I’ve ever been so emotionally drained, so distressed and left a series feeling so empty as I have with this one.

I’ve been attempting to emotionally detach myself in order to review it, but I must say that it is genuinely difficult to do so. If you’ve read my first review, you will see that I was excited to be embarking on a new relationship with a series, no matter how gruesome the premise. However, as I closed the final page of mockingjay I was not elated, but rather crushed. All the best writers drag their characters through suffering-it’s part of the transformation of the character, but this series follows one girl’s descent into what can only be described as complete madness. The author’s ruthlessness is so relentless that I would even describe Collins’ treatment of her characters as callous.

The second book- Catching Fire starts a few months after Katniss’ win at the games, and follows the her through what is known as the ‘Quarter Quell’- where once every 25 years there is an even more gruesome tribute to be paid- this years’ Hunger Games sees the pool of tributes taken only from previous victors. At the same time, Katniss’ defiance at the previous games has started a rebellion – of which she is the mascot. Mockingjay then follows Katniss after she has escaped from the arena and the rebellion against the Capitol is in full swing. With Peeta captured Katniss must be the symbol of the rebellion- she must be their Mockingjay.

I’m not sure what is more heartbreaking- watching Katniss transform from a flawed but sweet young girl, confused about her feelings for two men, into a half-crazed, almost suicidal head case- or the realization (both hers and yours) that the regime which Katniss brings to power is only marginally better than the one left behind. I read an article in which a mother asked for the Hunger Games to be removed from her child’s curriculum because it was giving her child nightmares and she didn’t approve of the message it gave. Whilst I continue to think this woman is clearly a moron, before you begin this terrible journey with Katniss, you do have to prepared to accept extreme loss and darkness- because that is precisely what you’re going to get. Don’t forget to Donate to World Horse Welfare- it’s all for a good cause!

The Hunger Games- Book 1

First dates tend to fall into three categories- Amazing, Ok, and Fake-an-illness-to-get-out-of-Awful. Reading the first book in a series is exactly the same-except you don’t have to wear make-up and taking it to bed on the ‘first date’ doesn’t make you slutty.  But if you’re actually a bit of slut, like myself, having read many series before- you know that a good first book doesn’t mean that books 2 and 3 couldn’t still break your heart with bad writing and predictability.

My first date with the dystopian ‘The Hunger Games’ (see the trailer for the upcoming film) by Suzanne Collins has gone spectacularly well. Picture a post-acpocalyptic America- now divided into 12 Districts and controlled by the Capitol. As punishment for a long-ago rebellion, and as a reminder of the power of the Capitol, a girl and boy from each district are given as tributes to compete in the annual Hunger Games- a gladiator/big brother/survivor style occurrence where 24 children must not only attempt to survive harsh conditions (which could be anything from a forest, to a poisonous swamp, to artic conditions) but must also kill one another until only one is left. The book is too good to give much away- safe to say it follows Katniss Everdeen as she struggles through the bloodbath of the Games, and will give you 450 pages of pure suspense, a bit or romance and the inner workings of a rather flawed young girl, who had me when she questioned whether or not she loved her mother.

So my love affair has begun, and I can only hope that books two and three don’t let me down- I shall write a fuller review of the whole story arc when I’ve finished all three.  Until then, don’t forget to Donate! (world horse welfare needs you) (and go out and read this book.)

The Hunger Games

Can’t watch the film without reading the book! I’ll be done reading soon until then- the trailer looks pretty good. Check out the book review.