Books I Read: Matched, by Ally Condie
So... Matched.
Why I bought it: There is praise for this book on the front cover. There is praise (horizontal and vertical) all over the back cover. There is praise from all kinds of different sources on the first three pages. So basically.. if you go into this without expectations higher than the Burj Al Khalifa, you're clearly blind. As for my other motives, I'll let one of the praises speak for itself: "Matched is a page-turning, dystopian love story, written with the soul of a poet." (Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl)
/Sold.
Short Description: Cassia Reyes lives in a perfect world, without diseases, without suffering -- without choices. The Society has the lives of its people planned out for them. From what they eat, over where they work, to who they love. To the reader it may seem harsh, but this system claims to strive for security, equality and the survival of the human race. And from where Cassia stands this all makes sense -- up until her 17th birthday and her Matching ceremony, where she will be told who she will spend the rest of her life with. A day that turns out to be the day things start to change and fall apart -- for everyone.
What I liked: Reviewers are raving about Condie's writing and I have to say: rightfully so. The more Cassia reveals of the way the Society works, the more she starts questioning and not just accepting, the more poetic Condie's style becomes. Quite literally at times, as poetry is a big and important factor in this book. It's the string that ties everything together. (I was sold when she referred to Robert Frost's "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening".. naturally :))
I switched back to Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel right after I finished Matched, since I didn't have the second book yet, and was downright appalled at how much I didn't like her writing all of a sudden. It's like.. walking on clouds when suddenly.. BAM.. back to reality and bad characterization and most importantly: annoyingly bland female protagonists. Condie's portrayal of Cassia is like a breath of fresh air. In a way her style reminds me a bit of Maggie Stiefvater's writing, which I love as well. It's subtle but intense. There are no intricate sentences to stumble over, everything flows beautifully -- and one can't help but to fall in love the same way Cassia does.
What I didn't like: Xander gets the short end of the stick in more than one way and ends up being portrayed a bit one-dimensional. I would have liked to learn more about him. I feel like even though he is Cassia's best and oldest friend, I don't know him at all -- Which might be due to the fact that this book is told from a first person perspective. The same thing happened in THG trilogy with Gale btw. Hmm.
What I thunk: Matched is without doubt a story about love and the sacrifices you have to make to keep the ones you love safe. But at the same time it's also a tale about the power of the people and the importance and value of being able to make your own descisions. And that is also the reason why it is being compared to The Hunger Games. There are many subtle similarities, but also a lot of differences. Where THG had alternately louder and softer moments and moments that were right in your face, Matched is softer throughout, without violence or terror, and builds up to a crescendo at the end. It's stunning.
I think Ally Condie does a great job at emphasizing how essential choice, free will and creative thinking is for a healthy society, which, I think, is an important message for young readers. Learn to trust your instincts, your heart, your abilities, and you will be set free. Don't be afraid to stand out. In the end everyone will have to decide for themselves which path to take: Stay safe and protected but choiceless, or go your own way and face a life full of possibilities, but also hardships and uncertainties. This may be a YA novel, but it is in all aspects a very grown-up one.
This book lives up to its hype and I have fallen in love with it. ♥
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