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| Battle Royale by Koushun Takami |
I've watched the movie version of Battle Royale several years ago, but wasn't really interested in reading the novel until recently (after finishing The Hunger Games).
The story in Battle Royale takes place in a fictional world wherein Japan is a member of a totalitarian state called the Republic of Greater East Asia. Every year, 50 third year high school classes are selected to participate in the Program. Under the guise of a school trip, the students are brought to an isolated area, where the students are forced to kill each other until only one survives.
I had issues with the book, as I found some of the quips to be really cheesy. It was set in the 90's and it's virtually impossible for me to think about the 90's without cringing, so it was forgivable. Other than that I have no complaints. The plot structure and the character development in Battle Royale is amazing. The reasoning for the political setting is well defined, as well as the futility to combat the system. Also, the horror of turning against your classmates and friends is gripping. You can't help but think what if you are forced to do the same. Including the back story of the characters made them more likable and made me sadder the see them go. And I think I'm in love with Shogo Kawada. I wish the author, Koushun Takami would write more books.
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