The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games is set in some unspecified distopian future. The world is dominated by a ruling cabal from city called the Capitol where they live in luxury. The rest of the country live in 12 districts strictly cordoned off from the Capitol and each other. Living, working and surviving in dismal conditions and not enough food (the Capitol controls the heaving masses - by restricting food).
Once a year each district submits two of it's children, selected by lottery, to the Hunger Games. He/she who wins the games lives a life of luxury and celebrity and food for the whole district for a year. The games are televised and take place within a large arena over weeks. He/she who wins: is the last one standing - by fair means or foul. Kill or be killed. The main protagonist - Katniss, enters the games instead of her younger sister. She has to kill whether she wants to or not. The violence is explicit but 'fantastical' and therefore slightly unreal. The book brings up interesting concepts of how far would you go to win, is it ethical to watch others kill for entertainment. An easy read, but enjoyable was the consensus.
Words used to describe it: limited, interesting, absorbing, undemanding, interesting premise, quite enjoyable, harsh.
Marks out of 10 - between 5 - 7
Next Book
The Waiting Years by Fumiko Enchi
Next Meeting
Thursday 13th October
at
115 Harbord St - Jackie
Date for the Diary
2nd December, Christmas Do, venue to be confirmed.
