Divergent

By: Veronica Roth

Narrated by: Emma Galvin

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are - and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves.... or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series - dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

©2011 Veronica Roth (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Though Galvin’s narration is concentrated on giving Tris the perfect voice, she never neglects the secondary characters. Poignant moments with Tris’s mother and Four, her leader and love, are subtly nuanced to let listeners hear the terror Tris often hides.... listeners will hold their breath waiting to see if she can survive the day." ( AudioFile)

Can't suspend my disbelief

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The basic plotline of this dystopia was simply too far-fetched for me to accept. Because of that, I couldn't get into the story. The idea that, in a post-apocalyptic society, survivors would divide into groups based on idealized personality traits? That all the other factions would agree to give all political control to the selfless faction? That you had just one chance in a lifetime to choose your faction -- at age 16? The holes in this landscape are so glaring that I couldn't believe anything about this story.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I don't think this story line can be saved. Kill the whole thing.

Which scene was your favorite?

Maybe when Tris's mother rescued her.

Was Divergent worth the listening time?

No

Faction Before Blood

Divergent kept me entertained until the end, but probably could have used a better editing job. Divergent is about a society with five main classes of workers. At age 16, people are allowed to pick their area of craft that they want to be in for the rest of their life. "Faction before blood" becomes the motto that drive citizens to act and be a certain way. Often families and their generations stick to one trade and can not associate with other factions. Therefore, people who transfer to different factions can have it rough because they must face a different way of life that tends to be foreign to their own. Those of the warrior class (Dauntless) are brave and fearless, and act accordingly by jumping off buildings and onto trains for sport. Those of the Abnegation class are selfless. They live by the philosophy that they should give away what is in excess, and not fall for temptations. Those of Abnegation don't even look in the mirror because they do not wish to be vain. Now, if you do not pass the initiations tests to get into one of these factions you could end up faction less. This essentially forces one into poverty doing all the unwanted jobs for food. The principles behind the idea of a class system were originally meant to keep peace, but as we go along in this story we learn many of these ideals have been warped and there is corruption.

This story is told through the eyes of a 16 year girl named Beatrice. She has been tested and found to be divergent. We don't fully know what that means right away, but we come to understand that Beatrice may have an aptitude for several different classes. Children are forced into a tough decision at age sixteen that marks the course of the rest of their life. Beatrice comes from a Abnegation faction background, but never quite feels like she has fit that role. She must grow up and adapt quickly in her life if she is to survive and help solve a crisis that may plunge her city into a revolution.

Some issues I found with this book were from the female protagonist. She came off weak, irrational, and emotionally unstable at times. There was some teenage romance that made the story a little sappy at parts. From a males perspective it was hard to resonate with the character. I did appreciate that this wasn't one of those happily ever after fairy tales. There is viciousness, injustice, death and some room for character development. Life can be hard in this society and the corruption of moral values has made it so Beatrice must be extremely vigilant and smart about what she says and does if she expects to survive. The story could have progressed a little faster. Because of the pace I felt the ending was a little abrupt. The story shifts gears fast in the last hour, and we get a conclusion that, while solves the current dilemma, beckons for more.

Divergent is reminiscent of other dystopian literature. Hunger games showcases children who have to go through a selection process and fight to survive in harsh realities that are brought about by use of different caste systems. Aldus Huxley has the best dystopian world in his novel Brave New World. Divergent also incorporates technology as a method to control citizens. Although we don't have the drug Soma to help control the populous, there are other mind invasive attempts used to facilitate transfers of individuals into factions which they may be best suited. Some technology can even control the mind and bring out ones greatest fears.

Very engaging!

What made the experience of listening to Divergent the most enjoyable?

I bought this book for my 12yr old son, but found myself anticipating the next chapter. Great book for tweens, teens and even adults!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Trice

What does Emma Galvin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Amimated reader - never was dull

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Loss of main character's parents

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to listening to next book. We've already downloaded it

Can't stop listening!

If you could sum up Divergent in three words, what would they be?

Enticing grabbing deep

What was one of the most memorable moments of Divergent?

when Tris went through Tobias's fear landscape with him and help him through it; the fairest wheel; the jumping out of the building at dauntless initiation.

Which scene was your favorite?

nd when Tris fights Tobias in the attack simulation and resists to shoot him and he finally remembers her.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

absolutely

Any additional comments?

Outstanding! Full of depth while it is still a love story. I loved every moment of it.

Easy Fun Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I think this is a fun story.

What other book might you compare Divergent to and why?

Similar to Hunger Games books.

Have you listened to any of Emma Galvin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I thought the performance was great. The tone and pace kept me moving along and interested.

I loved it!

Would you listen to Divergent again? Why?

I was just as I imagined it would be

Who was your favorite character and why?

Four, he is the best part of the whole book

What about Emma Galvin’s performance did you like?

She is an excellent narrator, she made the story come to life truly!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Divergent

I remember the first time I listened to Emma as a reader. I wasn't quite sure I liked her. This is my second time listening to this series and its smoother this time. I think because I listen to a lot of different readers, sometimes it's hard to let one go and adapt to a new one. Emma has done a GREAT job!!

fun listen.

I really enjoyed listening to this. It made long drives much more fun. Lots of action.

I've fallen in love with divergent!

I was attached to trice only 2 minutes into the book. loved it! this book was wonderfully written and beautifully performed. can't wait to move on to the second one!

Couldn't put it down!

Quick read. Makes you think about your own personality traits. Which faction would you belong to? How would you react in the simulations. ...