Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) (The Hunger Games)
Page 170 Review
Book Review: Resilience and Control in the Face of Fear
This excerpt paints a vivid picture of a character navigating a tense and uncertain situation, drawing strength from an unexpected source – the wisdom of Lenore Dove. The author masterfully uses imagery and internal monologue to create a palpable sense of anxiety and determination.
The Power of Attitude: A Lesson from Lenore Dove
The passage opens with a striking description of the environment: “The carpet has the soft spring of a bed of moss, and it absorbs my footsteps as if I’m already gone and beyond making a sound.” This immediately establishes a sense of unease and impermanence. The character is acutely aware of their surroundings, highlighting their vulnerability.
Lenore Dove’s story becomes a crucial anchor for the protagonist. The quote, “Like I could decide whether I was scared or not, no matter what happened. I mean, I was still scared, but it helped having that to chew on,” encapsulates a powerful message about agency in the face of adversity. This is not about denying fear, but about choosing how to respond to it. It’s a pragmatic approach to managing fear rather than being consumed by it.
The Weight of Expectations: Meeting the Heavensbees
The introduction of Plutarch and the “Heavensbees” adds another layer of complexity. Plutarch’s nonchalant demeanor (“Plutarch gestures indifferently. ‘Meet the Heavensbees,’ he says.”) contrasts sharply with the imposing presence of the portraits. These aren’t just paintings; they represent a lineage, a history, and perhaps, a set of expectations.
The details about the Heavensbees are intriguing: “Each holds an object — a scale, a harp, a ruby-studded cup — that seems meant to define them.” This immediately invites speculation about their roles and personalities. The author uses these objects as visual shorthand, hinting at the values and priorities of this family. The observation that they are “Dripping in wealth, every last one of them,” further emphasizes their power and privilege.
The mention of “a leafy branch, a glossy white bird, a sword, is that a turkey leg?” injects a touch of the absurd into an otherwise serious scene. The inclusion of the “turkey leg” is particularly jarring, hinting at the potential for decadence and perhaps even a lack of self-awareness among the Heavensbees.
Internal Struggle and the Search for Strength
Despite the external distractions, the protagonist remains focused on their internal struggle. The line, “I try to chew on it, but there’s too much adrenaline pumping through my veins. Help me, Lenore Dove, I think. But she can’t. No one can,” reveals the limitations of relying on external sources of strength. While Lenore Dove’s wisdom is helpful, ultimately, the character must find the resilience within themselves.
The Unseen Spaces: Doors and Hidden Possibilities
The final sentence, “We pass doorways, some tightly sealed, some flung open to reveal…” creates a sense of anticipation. The open and closed doorways represent both opportunities and secrets. What lies beyond them remains to be seen, but the reader is left with a feeling that anything is possible. The author cleverly uses this image to heighten the suspense and draw the reader further into the narrative.
In conclusion, this excerpt is a compelling exploration of fear, resilience, and the search for inner strength. The vivid imagery, combined with the intriguing characters and the underlying sense of mystery, makes for a captivating read.
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