The Selection (Kiera Cass)

The Selection by Kiera Cass is set a dystopic society organized in caste systems, and revolves around a love story of two teens, America Singer and Prince Maxon. The novel is about a process called the Selection, a lottery for thirty-five girls to travel to the palace and try to win the prince’s heart. This Bachelor-esque setup amid a royal backdrop, full of glittering jewels and fantastic gowns creates a fairy tale setting for a classic love story.

Our brave protagonist America Singer comes from a family of artists, and has an independent and creative mind to show for it. She is rebellious and stubborn, and stands strongly by her own values instilled by a hard life growing up poor, and her struggles especially highlighted by the sordid and excessive lives of the arrogant upper castes. Upon entering the Selection, she already had a lover – her childhood friend, Aspen. She also had a plan, and it didn’t involve Prince Maxon or marrying into the upper castes.

However, Prince Maxon isn’t the foolish and cocky boy America expected. Seeing him first on TV, America had cemented the image of someone shallow and hopelessly spoiled in her mind. However, slowly she beings to open up to him and they become friends, eventually lovers, sharing secrets and discussions that America never expected to have. Though he is naïve and somewhat spoiled due to his royal upbringing, he is also good-natured and heart, and values America’s striking honesty and bravery. America uses these qualities, along with her unique experiences, to lead Maxon in the direction of being a better and kinder ruler.

The Selection isn’t only a love story – America is a poor girl from the lower castes, after all. The Selection delves pretty deeply into class issues and the constant troubles between the rich and poor through all of America's mental baggage, and even a violent rebellion against the corrupt higher classes and royalty. However, although the novel starkly contrasts these classes, it also shows the humanity of both – especially within the surprisingly compassionate Prince Maxon.
For me, The Selection did fall slightly short of the mark. Firstly, I noticed its short and simple prose. Phrases were repeated far too often and distracted me from the actual content. However, I felt like the limited vocabulary did make it an easier and faster read, and after reading The Scarlet Letter in class, it was certainly a welcome change. 

 Furthermore, its premise was not exactly the most original, with a typical romance and love triangle set against a typical dystopian society with a corrupted class system. At times, it was predictable and irritating. The rebel leader against corrupt government trope is a bit overused, especially with the underdog protagonist who is yet somehow still perfect. America is the typical strong, rebellious, and "unique" female lead who is obnoxiously and unrealistically gorgeous and elegant, coupled with the annoyingly oblivious Maxon, and worst of all, surrounded by a bunch of horribly spoiled rich girls, sucked out some of the novel's excitement. I knew that America would (spoiler) end up falling in love with Maxon immediately, and of course (spoiler) Aspen ends up with a palace maid -- of all people -- in the third novel for convenience. However, though it was not the most deeply thoughtful masterpiece, it was still and fast and enjoyable read. I would recommend The Selection to any reader looking for a quick and thrilling royal drama/romance with a hint of action and sci-fi.

Comments

  1. MariamFebruary 28, 2020 at 7:19 AM

    Wow, this really brings me back to middle school when I first read the series. Of course, at the time, I thought of it as the pinnacle of astute literature. Surprisingly, when I most recently re-read it (a week ago?) I found myself agreeing with many of your criticisms. I realized that Maxon honestly isn't that great of a character (I often times was angry at his complete lack of understanding for America's feelings). And, the whole concept of the Selection was a bit unnerving for me. I mean, how would anybody feel okay with the supposed "love of your life" claiming their reciprocate your feelings, and have them make out with a completely different women minutes later. Overall, you did a great job with this review!

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  2. Emily SFebruary 28, 2020 at 11:18 AM

    I always seem to be drawn towards dystopian literature- and I've seen this book in the library a lot but I've never checked it out. I don't think I will- as I don't love romance novels all that much, but the review is really good and the book sounds interesting. I also like how you delve into the other aspects of the book, mentioning the other elements besides just romance, romance, and more romance. I also like how you call out the author for the cheap 'aspen ends up with the maid' part. Also does the girl's name being "america" meant to be a metaphor or something?

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  3. SarahMarch 8, 2020 at 6:27 PM

    Great review! I've read this series when I was in middle school and I agree that while the series was enjoyable to read, the plot wasn't the most original. I also particularly liked the fact that you pointed out that this series was not only a romance but also a story about social standings and the struggles that come along with it.

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