Ok, I know that dystopian fiction is the latest craze for book lovers (like me). There's always something that fascinates the audience about this genre of literature. Whether it's the environment, the characters, and even the way of living in the imaginary world coming alive from the minds of novelists, dystopian fiction never disappoints.
I know what you are asking. What's dystopian fiction? But before I can tell you that, let's read the definition of the word "dystopia".
A dystopia is a community or society, usually fictional, that is in some important way undesirable or frightening. It is the opposite of a utopia. Such societies appear in many works of fiction, particularly in stories set in a speculative future. Dystopias are often characterized by dehumanization, totalitarian governments, environmental disaster, or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society. Elements of dystopias may vary from environmental to political and social issues. Dystopian societies have culminated in a broad series of sub-genres of fiction and are often used to raise real-world issues regarding society, environment, politics, religion, psychology, spirituality, or technology that may become present in the future. For this reason, dystopias have taken the form of a multitude of speculations, such as pollution, poverty, societal collapse, political repression, or totalitarianism. - From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
So there, dystopian fiction is all about enduring the life that is harsh, frightening and cataclysmic, mostly after a major catastrophe or a huge shift in society that defies normality that may be occur in the future.
So far, I have known two famous dystopian series, the Hunger Games Trilogy and the Divergent Series.
The Hunger Games Trilogy, penned by Suzanne Collins, takes place in a post-apocalyptic world of Panem, once part of North America. There's the regal Capitol, and then there are 12 districts which are poor, having to work hard for a living, each with a specialized field of labor. On an appointed day, as punishment for the rebellion mishap, one male and one female from each district will be chosen to become tributes, who will participate in the Hunger Games, a cutthroat competition that requires sheer will and determination to survive.
Then there's the rising star, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. The story is set in dystopian Chicago, where society is divided into five factions, each with the purpose of cultivating a trait essential to the welfare of humankind: Abnegation, the selfless; Candor, the honest; Amity, the peaceful; Erudite, the intelligent; and Dauntless, the brave. During the ceremony, each sixteen year old must choose the faction that will become his or her way of life from now on, and pass the initiation that follows. If one fails, he or she will face the worst fate: becoming factionless.
For me, what dystopian fiction taught me is that no matter what the circumstances, you have to stay true to yourself, and fight for what you believe in. And that's why I adore Katniss and Tris. Plus, having a partner who will support you (Peeta and Four respectively) is an added bonus.
So, if you haven't tried that genre, it's never too late to start. You may get hooked, trust me. ^^
