Suzanne Collins: "The Hunger Games"

One reservation that people have with regard to contemporary literary fiction is that characters will not "make a scene." There is a mildness, a quietness, that does not lead to explosive conflict. For this reason, many readers turn to "young adult" novels.

"Sunrise on the Reaping" has a terrific central figure: Plutarch Heavensbee, a kind of journalist who stages tearful moments for the entertainment of the masses. He makes an error and loses footage of a family breakup; he then offers the family extra minutes of togetherness if they will cry on camera for him. (The writer Suzanne Collins was inspired in part by reality TV. When we watch someone get her hopes crushed on "The Bachelor," what are we really doing?)

Elsewhere, a "tribute" in the Hunger Games confesses that he has previously organized betting pools around the games. He has profited when certain children have died. Now, he suspects that his own family is placing bets against his survival (and hoping to make some cash from bad news).

A third character, Maysilee, seems not to care that her movements are recorded by "the Capitol." She provokes President Snow whenever possible. This seems courageous but also foolish. It's uncomfortable to be in her presence, because you suspect she might get murdered at any moment.

I can see why Suzanne Collins's work has found an audience. In the Trump years, the idea of a dystopia does not require strenuous imaginative work from a reader. I'll keep going.

P.S. I'm away next week.

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