Book Review: We Can Be Mended by Veronica Roth

In “We Can Be Mended: A Divergent Story Book,” Veronica Roth returns to the dystopian world of her bestselling Divergent series to provide a much-anticipated epilogue to the trilogy. This short novella offers closure and insight into the lives of beloved characters and explores the consequences of their choices in a post-war society.

Set two and a half years after the events of “Allegiant,” the final book in the Divergent series, “We Can Be Mended” follows Tris’ brother, Tobias Eaton (known as Four), as he grapples with the aftermath of the rebellion against the faction system. The city of Chicago is still in ruins, and the citizens are struggling to rebuild their lives and their society.

As Four navigates his new role as a leader, he is haunted by memories of the war and the sacrifices made by his friends. He questions whether peace is truly achievable in a world that has been torn apart by violence and division. Through introspection and encounters with familiar faces, Four seeks to reconcile his past decisions and find hope for the future.

Veronica Roth’s writing style remains engaging and immersive, providing readers with a glimpse into the psychological turmoil and growth of Four. The novella delves into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of choice, highlighting the consequences of actions taken during times of war and upheaval. Despite its brevity, “We Can Be Mended” manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotional depth, reminding readers why they fell in love with the series in the first place.

One of the strengths of this novella is its exploration of the secondary characters from the original series. Roth reintroduces familiar faces and allows readers to catch up with their lives after the war. This adds depth to the story, as it reveals the lasting impact of their choices and the scars they carry. The interactions between Four and these characters provide moments of reflection and closure, making the epilogue feel satisfying and complete.

However, “We Can Be Mended” is a short read, with only 50 pages. While this brevity may disappoint fans hoping for a more extensive exploration of the post-war world, Roth manages to make every word count. The novella serves as a poignant conclusion to the series, tying up loose ends and offering a sense of catharsis for readers.

Overall, “We Can Be Mended: A Divergent Story Book” is a must-read for fans of the Divergent series. Veronica Roth skillfully delivers closure and emotional resonance in this short novella. While it may leave readers craving for more, it serves its purpose of providing a thoughtful epilogue to a beloved series.

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