Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Page 56 Review
Review: The Raw Emotion of Farewell in Ebook Excerpt
This brief excerpt from the ebook plunges us into a whirlwind of emotion, focusing on a poignant farewell scene. The author masterfully uses imagery and internal monologue to convey the protagonist’s feelings of loss, gratitude, and defiance. Let’s delve into the key elements:
Imprisonment and Uncertainty
The excerpt opens with a sense of disorientation and confinement. The protagonist describes being “tossed into some compartment with a single, barred window.” This immediately establishes a feeling of being trapped and powerless. The description of the environment further reinforces this:
“I press my face against the glass, but there’s nothing to see but a grimy coal car.”
This lack of visibility symbolizes the protagonist’s uncertain future and the bleakness of their current situation.
Delay and Reflection
The hour-long delay before the train departs provides a crucial moment for reflection. Despite Drusilla’s complaints, this time allows the protagonist to regain composure and attempt to imprint the memory of their surroundings:
“For all Drusilla’s whining, we go nowhere for an hour. The sky blackens and the storm breaks. Hail clatters against my window, followed by sheets of rain. By the time the wheels of the train begin to turn, my head has cleared. I try to memorize every fleeting image of 12 — the lightning illuminating the dingy warehouses, the water streaming down the slag heaps, and the glow of the green hills.”
The storm mirroring the internal turmoil, and the act of trying to memorize the landscape highlight the protagonist’s desire to hold onto the past and the life they are leaving behind.
The Significance of Lenore Dove’s Farewell
The most powerful moment comes with the appearance of Lenore Dove. Her dramatic display of grief and rage becomes a vital act of defiance:
“That’s when I see Lenore Dove. She’s up on a ridge, her red dress plastered to her body, one hand clutching the bag of gumdrops. As the train passes, she tilts her head back and wails her loss and rage into the wind. And even though it guts me, even though I smash my fists into the glass until they bruise, I’m grateful for her final gift. That she’s denied Plutarch the chance to broadcast our farewell.”
Lenore Dove’s wail, described as loss and rage into the wind, serves as a symbol of resistance against control and manipulation. The protagonist’s reaction – smashing their fists against the glass – emphasizes the intensity of the emotion and the desire to connect with Lenore’s raw expression of grief. The gratitude stems from Lenore’s action preventing Plutarch from exploiting their farewell.
Claiming Ownership of Heartbreak
The final line of the excerpt encapsulates the core theme of reclaiming agency in the face of adversity:
“The moment our hearts shattered? It belongs to us.”
This powerful statement asserts the importance of owning one’s emotions and experiences, even when those experiences are painful. It’s a refusal to allow external forces to dictate the narrative of their heartbreak.
Overall Impression
This excerpt is a testament to the author’s ability to create vivid imagery and emotionally resonant characters. The themes of loss, defiance, and the importance of owning one’s narrative are powerfully conveyed in a concise and impactful way. The contrast between imprisonment and the wide open space where Lenore is standing, the darkness of the train compartment and the flash of lightning, all create a scene that is unforgettable.
Buy full ebook for only $15: https://www.lulu.com/shop/suzanne-collins/sunrise-on-the-reaping-a-hunger-games-novel-the-hunger-games/ebook/product-e7496ww.html?page=1&pageSize=4