Summary
The highly anticipated fifth installment of The Hunger Games series, Sunrise On The Reaping, released March 18. Suffice to say, it did not disappoint.
The highly anticipated fifth instalment of ‘The Hunger Games’ series, Sunrise On The Reaping, released March 18. Suffice to say, it did not disappoint.
Following Haymitch Abernathy’s story, the book is the second prequel Collins has released, after the booming success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
The book follows the events of the 50th Quarter Quell, where Haymitch must survive double the amounts of tributes than normal.
Tears, Tears, and More Tears
The tragedy of a prequel is that we already know how the story ends for our characters. Fans of the original Hunger Games trilogy will know that Haymitch does not have a happy ending, and neither does the characters he loves. Despite knowing this, it is practically impossible to put the book down, each death hurting more and more.
Collins is an expert in making you care about characters you know will die, yet getting you to read on anyway.
A highlight of the book was getting to know the many complex characters, new and old. Each time a name of someone in the original series popped up, my excitement went through the roof.
As much of a whirlwind the book was, it was worth the emotional turmoil.
Making A Statement
Suzanne Collins has been known to only write when when she has something to say, so the prominent themes of propaganda and government suppression throughout are meant to be noticed.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Collins said:
“With Sunrise on the Reaping, I was inspired by [Scottish philosopher] David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few.'”
Whilst an important part of the book, Collins managed to reference this philosophy whilst balancing it with the more entertaining, young adult dystopian theme the series is marketed as. Collins artfully manages to say what she intended with the book whilst also making sure the book stays entertaining and easy to read.
The way in which she weaves these themes together is masterful, and as always, Collins has produced a book that a variety of people will enjoy for a multitude of reasons.
Final Thoughts
Sunrise on the Reaping is an emotional assault, there is a sense of looming dread throughout that cannot be avoided, and the hard hitting themes are written incredibly well.
Every reference to the other books in the series is done tastefully, in a way that does not seem like fan service. Easter eggs for keen readers can be found, subtly but powerfully.
If you enjoyed the original ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy, you will love Sunrise On the Reaping. A step up from A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it comes back to themes of the victims of suppression doing everything they can to rebel, and the subsequent consequences that come from this.
Pick up the book and become immersed in the tragedy of Haymitch Abernathy. It truly is a book you cannot put down.
A film adaption is coming in the near future, with a release date of November 20, 2026, so keep and eye out for that.
Image Credit: Tim O’Brien, Scholastic Inc
Braw Magazine co-editor for Stirling University’s Brig and a third year English and Journalism student.
