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readwatchdrinkcoffee 's review for:
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
From very early on, The Hunger Games has been compared to the likes of the Harry Potter and Twilight franchises because of its young adult themes and characters, as well as the Japanese action thriller, Battle Royale, because of the dystopian setting it introduces. It’s an odd combination to imagine, since dystopias usually centre on much older characters, and young adult stories don’t tend to be filled with much violence. But what Collins creates with The Hunger Games is incredible.
Whilst it’s impossible to deny any comparisons, The Hunger Games succeeds in differentiating itself from such films and franchises by portraying a dystopian future where there is still hope and something to strive for Battle Royale shows the more sinister and pessimistic side of such a world, killing people for pure entertainment, but Collins has created a world that is believable enough to provoke an emotional response to both the setting and the people within it.
For that reason, we should be comparing it to George Orwell‘s 1984. It’s not a literary classic, let’s not go that far, but in reading Collins’ novel I was able to imagine a dystopian and totalitarian regime in the same way that I did when reading Orwell’s classic.
The Hunger Games has a sense of reality to it and, for that reason, it is easy to relate to, something not completely possible with franchises such as Twilight and Harry Potter, which have found it hard to escape their teenage audiences. The Hunger Games, however, has a maturity to it, centering on socially relevant themes of politics and government. You can really feel the desperation and hatred towards the government for what they are doing. These tributes are fighting for a better life and, because of this, Katniss becomes a heroine.
Told from Katniss’ perspective, the book holds the brilliant message that you can stay human even in the most inhumane conditions. Through her character, we are given a strong female lead to relate to and emphasise with, which is a bonus in itself compared to the likes of the female leads we have on offer at the minute (*cough* I’m looking at you, Bella Swan).
Setting up an incredibly promising franchise, The Hunger Games is an excellent first instalment with so much left to offer. If you haven’t started reading these books already, this is definitely a series you want to be up to date with.
Whilst it’s impossible to deny any comparisons, The Hunger Games succeeds in differentiating itself from such films and franchises by portraying a dystopian future where there is still hope and something to strive for Battle Royale shows the more sinister and pessimistic side of such a world, killing people for pure entertainment, but Collins has created a world that is believable enough to provoke an emotional response to both the setting and the people within it.
For that reason, we should be comparing it to George Orwell‘s 1984. It’s not a literary classic, let’s not go that far, but in reading Collins’ novel I was able to imagine a dystopian and totalitarian regime in the same way that I did when reading Orwell’s classic.
The Hunger Games has a sense of reality to it and, for that reason, it is easy to relate to, something not completely possible with franchises such as Twilight and Harry Potter, which have found it hard to escape their teenage audiences. The Hunger Games, however, has a maturity to it, centering on socially relevant themes of politics and government. You can really feel the desperation and hatred towards the government for what they are doing. These tributes are fighting for a better life and, because of this, Katniss becomes a heroine.
Told from Katniss’ perspective, the book holds the brilliant message that you can stay human even in the most inhumane conditions. Through her character, we are given a strong female lead to relate to and emphasise with, which is a bonus in itself compared to the likes of the female leads we have on offer at the minute (*cough* I’m looking at you, Bella Swan).
Setting up an incredibly promising franchise, The Hunger Games is an excellent first instalment with so much left to offer. If you haven’t started reading these books already, this is definitely a series you want to be up to date with.