The Chosen One (novel)
The Chosen One is a young adult dystopian science fiction novel written by Veronica Roth, published in 2020. It serves as Roth's first novel for adults, departing from her popular Divergent series aimed at a younger audience.
Synopsis:
Five "chosen ones" – Sloane Andrews, Matt, Esther, Ines, and Albie – were teenagers who, ten years prior, defeated an entity known as the Dark One, saving the world from imminent destruction. They were celebrated as heroes and defined by this singular event. The novel opens a decade later, with the chosen ones struggling to cope with the aftermath of their experience. The intense media scrutiny, public expectations, and the trauma of their battle have fractured their relationships and left them disillusioned. When one of the chosen ones dies, the remaining members are drawn back together to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death and uncover a conspiracy that casts doubt on everything they thought they knew about the Dark One and their supposed victory. The narrative explores themes of trauma, the burden of heroism, the power of narrative, and the complexities of truth.
Characters:
- Sloane Andrews: The protagonist and one of the original five chosen ones. She is struggling with PTSD and a cynical outlook on the world.
- Matt: Another of the chosen ones. He is Sloane's ex-boyfriend.
- Esther: One of the chosen ones.
- Ines: One of the chosen ones.
- Albie: One of the chosen ones.
Themes:
The novel explores several key themes:
- Trauma and PTSD: The long-term effects of trauma experienced by the chosen ones are a central focus.
- The Burden of Heroism: The novel examines the immense pressure and expectations placed on individuals thrust into the role of a hero.
- Narrative and Reality: The story questions the constructed nature of narratives and how they can shape perception of reality. It also explores how propaganda can manipulate public opinion.
- Identity: The chosen ones grapple with defining themselves beyond their past heroic actions.
Reception:
The Chosen One received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Roth's exploration of mature themes and character development, while others found the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. Some reviews noted a significant departure in tone and style from her Divergent series, which appealed to some readers but alienated others.