Book Review: The Diviners

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bray, L. (2012). The diviners. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN: 0316126101

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This novel starts off in Manhattan when party goers begin playing with an Ouija Board, which are all the rage at the time and they release the spirit of Naught John. Then we meet Evie O'Neill who has a special gift, she can hold someone’s object and read their secrets from it. While at a party, Evie used her gift at a party and got herself in trouble. As a result, her mother decided she should be sent to New York City to stay with her Uncle Will for a bit. While there, she meets up with a childhood friend and soon murders begin to happen. Evie soon realizes her gift can help solve the murders.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This novel was ok. There were several good things but there were also some things I wasn’t a fan of. I would like to start off by mentioning that Bray did an excellent job of researching the time period. Taking place during “Roaring 20’s,” that particular time in history was depicted accurately. From the mention of prohibition to the use of 1920’s slack, the historical aspect of this novel is spot on. This novel is a thriller, with many elements of Fantastic Fiction. There is mention of supernatural phenomenon, healing powers, and ghosts.  If you are into murder mysteries or thrillers, this book is right for you.  Unfortunately for me, it was a little much for my taste. I thought the story line was well written and the characters were well developed. For example, Evie is portrayed as a young party girl that readers can relate to and really like. She doesn’t know when to stop but also struggles with keeping her secret power a secret. This story is told from multiple perspectives, so readers really get to get a feel for the different characters in this novel. With that being said, I must mention that I felt it was a little dark and inappropriate for young readers. The idea of a serial killer out on the loose was something I didn’t feel was appropriate for this age group.  This may be because this book was out of my element or because I am used to reading books for young children. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A Publishers Weekly Best YA Book of the Year

A School Library Journal Editor's Choice

A Kirkus Best YA Book of the Year

A Top Ten Amazon Best Book of the Year for Teens

A Library Journal Best YA Book for Adults

An Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Finalist

Starred review in Horns Book: “[A] lavish supernatural thriller...Wisecracking Evie is a likable heroine, and all signs point to intriguing complications and more malevolent spirits on the rise in succeeding books."

Starred review in Kirkus reviews: "1920s New York thrums with giddy life in this gripping first in a new [series] from Printz winner Bray...The intricate plot and magnificently imagined details of character, dialogue and setting take hold and don't let go. Not to be missed."

Starred review in School Library Journal: "The compelling and dramatic supernatural plot explores self-actualization, predestination, the secrets everyone hides, and, of course, good versus evil. An absolutely terrific read and, thankfully, the first in a planned series."

5. CONNECTIONS

* Group students into small groups, and have them create a podcast that discusses the novel’s plot. Students should discuss the main problem, raising actions, climax, falling actions, and resolution. Students will share the finished product with classmates.  

* Students will create a social media post for this novel. Their most should include a #hashtag that represents the theme of the story and a brief summary to engage readers. The image they use for their post should accurately represent the story and entice readers to read this novel.

*Other books similar to “The Diviners”

DeRosa, G. K. (2019). Darkblood Academy: Book one: Half-blood. Independently Published. ISBN: 1070402230

Marsh, S. G. (2018). Fear the drowning deep. Sky Pony Press. ISBN:  1510726586

This review was written for SHSU's MLA course. 

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