This review contains spoilers, consider yourself warned.
I read the final book of Suzanne Collins’ popular trilogy on
a three hour airplane flight, promptly forgetting most of it upon landing. However,
two particular details stuck in mind for several weeks afterward demanding a
second reading. I have decided that it this is a good book, meaning: it makes
me care enough to dislike it and never recommend it to others. I commend the
author for eliciting a reaction from me.
Character Development
Characters drive the plot or, in the case of Suzanne Collins,
make it come to a complete standstill. Katniss Everdeen, our protagonist, has
not matured or changed since the first book. She is still angry, impulsive, and
easy to manipulate. In the beginning of the series she at least showed
qualities of bravery and quick thinking; virtues that are missing in this book.
Katniss prefers to live life as things happen, letting others take on the role
of action. From her perspective we observe others and judge them: Gale for his
radical actions, Peeta for his dogged devotion, Prim for her hard work and
talents, etc. Katniss is at her best when she is spontaneously moved to act
out, speak up, or even think…a fact that her peers notice and try to plan for.
A girl who is best unscripted and angry, but otherwise useless.
