[Image discs: Left: The cover of Four by Veronica Roth. The top half of the cover depicts the silhouette of a man looking over a cityscape, with the phrase ‘One choice will free him...’ to the left in silver lettering. The title is centered below this, subtitled as part of the Divergent collection, and the author’s name at the bottom of the cover.
Right: Four by Veronica Roth open to the contents page, listed below are: Introduction, The Transfer, The Initiate, The Son, The Traitor, “First Jumper - Tris!”, “Careful, Tris”, and “You Look Good, Tris”. These images are my own.]
So I’ve been absent for a while, that’s not something I can ignore. But I’ve been reading, just a little here and there. It’s not that I couldn’t find the time, I won’t lie.
Regardless, I just finished up Four by Veronica Roth. It’s kind of a prequel [for lack of better term] to the Divergent series. Divergent was one of my favourite series growing up and I’ve wanted to read this book for years. A close friend bought me this after I mentioned it off-handedly to her, and it took me stupidly long to get to.
The book follows the character Four - whom we also know as Tobias Eaton from the main series - in four major events, most of which take place before he meets Tris - the protagonist from the main series.
I’ll try not to go into too much detail as I don’t want to spoil it for fans like me who took way too long to get to this book. But it was really, really amazing to be able to see the world Roth created from Four’s point of view. The book answered some questions - big and small - that were raised during the first book in a natural way. There were several times when I had a lightbulb moment as puzzle pieces fit together.
The main Divergent series is, of course, told through Tris’ eyes, as does the film series. It’s refreshing to be able to see into Four’s mind, how he thinks and feels, how he fits more intimately with the action from the main series. While we learn about who he is and why he’s in Dauntless during Tris’ story, it’s different to be able to see how that affects him during his initiation into the faction, and how it affects his choices, his actions, everything leading up to, and after, meeting Tris.
Just like in the main series, the relationship between Tris and Four isn’t the main theme throughout, however in some moments it is more pronounced. And this isn’t a bad thing. The scenes between the two are chosen and placed in a manner which allows us, the readers, to see the impact that Tris has on Four, and it was really enjoyable to see him change - even in little ways - because of her, and to see him react to how she grows as a result of her time in Dauntless.
The main four stories of the book bring us up to the main action of the Divergent book, so I’m itching to go back to the main series. I’m a little mad that I’m away at university, as I can’t simply reach for the book series.
The book also includes three short scenes from the Divergent book, this time told from Four’s perspective. These scenes are only a few pages, not much compared to the four main stories of the book, but it was nice that they were included. Three moments where Tris and Four interacted, at differing stages of their relationship. Fans of the series are obviously well-acquainted with Tris’ perspective, so seeing Four’s thoughts in these scenes was interesting.
Reading this book has given me a new appreciation for Tobias/Four. Although he certainly wasn’t an underdeveloped character in the main series, being able to have this deeper insight into his character is something I really appreciate as a fan of the series.
Something else that I’d like to mention is how easy it was to read this book. And that’s probably simply because it’s a modern book, written for a young adult audience. The language wasn’t something you’d find in those heavier King books or old, classic novels. And I liked that. It’s not something profound to pick up on, but I thought it’d be worth a mention. It just felt a lot easier to get into because the level of vocabulary used was comfortable, something I use on daily basis. If you’re like me that that regard, then this book might be worth a read. And if you’re a Divergent fan this book is certainly worth the read. Goodness knows why I spent so long waiting to read it, I’m definitely an idiot for that!
So, what next? Either I’ll be reading Call Me By Your Name by Andre Acimen, or Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Other than the first four volumes of the Attack on Titan manga, I only packed three books when I came back to Uni after Easter so my selection is quite limited.
Thank you for reading, for sticking with me even in this huge absence, and for following the blog!
