The Selection • Kiera Cass

I was really pleased to read this book, since up until now, young adult novels hadn’t really been on my radar. I had already written something in the past about an interesting feature on the Bildungsroman in Arte’s Bits Magazine, and even though the discussion criticized its lack of literary precision, the bigger question — why young adult novels are so popular — remained unanswered. That was motivation enough for me to pick up a book of this kind, and it was clear that it had to be something quite commercial and sentimental.

The book itself is a quick read — its roughly 370 pages felt like half that. The reading experience left me with mixed feelings, but I can already say: parts two and three have made it to the very top of my wish list.

At the beginning of the book, we get a brief glimpse into the life of the protagonist, America — a young, beautiful, musically gifted girl who unfortunately was born into one of the lower castes. The story is set in the future, in the kingdom of Illea, a monarchy formed during the Fourth World War, where society is strictly divided by a state-controlled class system. This vision of the future is enriched with familiar elements from Huxley’s Brave New World and Orwell’s 1984. There are strictly separated social classes (Orwell), regulated by the state in terms of work and wealth (Huxley). The nation is in a constant state of conflict — that is, near-perpetual war — demanding continuous patriotism from its citizens (Orwell). State control combined with bureaucracy, clear rules for cross-class marriages, censorship of history books, and mild surveillance (such as curfews) are also part of the setting and reminded me strongly of Orwell.

This vision of the future is not particularly believable — at times, it borders on the absurd. In one history lesson, for example, the reader learns that China annexed the United States after they refused (or failed) to repay their debts, turning the country into the “American States of China.” Then came the Russians, and somehow the former Americans, under the leadership of the future monarch, managed to free themselves from both powers and became the kingdom of Illea. This invented backstory made me somewhat question the quality of history programs in the U.S., since a more credible background certainly wouldn’t have hurt the book.

Thinking back to the Arte feature on the Bildungsroman, The Selection could serve as a textbook example. All the typical elements are there: a young girl experiencing her first love, uncertain in a world she finds unjust, filled with insecurity about her place in both family and society. There’s a youthful optimism, even narcissism. A mother who pressures her, but only because she wants the best for her daughter — namely, social advancement — and America’s own conflicting wishes and worries. The novel didn’t even need to be dystopian; all of these conflicts could easily occur in a realistic, contemporary setting. Of course, the fantastical elements add excitement, and an obviously unjust system, contradicting the democratic ideal of equality, can be effectively used to stir emotion in the reader.

The book is written in the first person, allowing the reader to see the world through America’s eyes and experience all her thoughts and emotions. This creates great intimacy — it’s easy to empathize with her, to share her joys and sorrows. Stylistically, however, the language is bare minimum for a novel. In terms of writing level, I would place The Selection alongside the short stories you might find in women’s magazines like “Neue Post” (yes, I’ve read those too ;). This tabloid-like simplicity runs consistently throughout the entire book — even experienced TV hosts, members of the royal family, or government officials, regardless of age, all speak with the same naive tone as the protagonist.

The story itself is like a mix between “The Bachelor” and “Germany’s Next Topmodel,” combining the best of both shows: makeovers, catfights, “he’s-already-had-two-single-dates-with-her-but-not-one-with-me” arguments, and a weekly, highly popular TV show. In its simple straightforwardness, and with these elements of reality TV, it’s just fun to read. The author uses all the narrative devices that make literature engaging: she builds empathy with the main character, satisfies the reader’s longing for romance through the flirtations between America and the prince, fulfills the craving for gossip through the rivalries among contestants, and appeals to our desire for justice through the obviously unfair social structure. In many ways, she creates emotional deficits in the reader, who then longs for their resolution — a technique that works just as well in soap operas as in many literary classics. I was actually surprised that the reader is never given any extra knowledge beyond the protagonist — one of the simplest and most popular ways of building suspense. The author also doesn’t shy away from clichés: the heroine collapses in tears in the palace garden, only to be comforted by the strong and compassionate prince; the plain girl suddenly has her big moment in a flowing gown; and, of course, there’s the tried-and-true Cinderella motif — the talented, modest, yet beautiful girl destined for something greater, who merely needs to be awakened by love (and of course, she will be).

I’ll be honest: I’m a sucker for this kind of thing. In books, I enjoy a bit of melodrama — pulling out all the stops. Of course, I also appreciate other literary techniques; there are books that reject such clichés yet are still incredibly captivating. But you don’t always want to watch an epic drama or only light comedies. It’s simply fun to read this book, to follow America’s story, to swoon with her, and to chuckle at some of the corny parts. Without going to extremes, but always with a touch of tension, this book is entertaining and in every sense a relaxing read. I just like love stories — especially when they repackage old elements in new ways. To put it more precisely: I absolutely need the next two volumes, for the same reason you turn the TV back on after two episodes of “The Bachelor.”

Conclusion: Despite its clear weaknesses in plot, background, and language, this book is still a recommendation. It’s simply fun to follow America in this colorful spectacle that strongly resembles reality TV shows like “The Bachelor” or “Germany’s Next Topmodel.” A relaxing read that, while not thrilling, kept me entertained from start to finish. I’ll definitely be reading the next two installments — after all, I want to know whether America finds her Mr. Right.

Book information: The Selection • Kiera Cass • Fischer Sauerländer • 368 pages • ISBN 9783737361880