For 16-year-old Beatrice, peace has come at a price. Her world is divided into factions, each of which prioritises a different human characteristic. Beatrice and her family live in the Abnegation faction where all members are expected to act selflessly at all times. Beatrice's problem? She's human.
Exhausted from constantly suppressing her individuality and self-interest, Beatrice approaches the traditional choosing ceremony. As they reach adulthood, teenagers are required to pick the faction that they belong in. This faction is where they will remain all their lives. No pressure then.
Beatrice faces a decision which is often mirrored in adolescence on a slightly less intense scale. Does she love herself more than her family? Can she bear to leave them in order to be free to be herself? And if so, for which faction?
This novel struck me as authentic, thrilling and touching. It was easy to empathise with Beatrice as she struggles to first know herself, and then prove her worth in an unfriendly world. She goes through a huge amount of trauma in the novel, coming out physically and emotionally changed. But these challenges only strengthen her individuality, and it's fascinating to watch her grow.
The action scenes were nail-biting and believable and all the characters, evil and good alike, had human faults. Veronica Roth doesn't shy from portraying the worst of human nature - but there are also moments of humour, friendship and hope. Best of all - it features a tension-filled romance without making this the focus of the novel.
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