Review: Matched, by Ally Condie

Matched is the newest in the wave of dystopian fiction sweeping the teen market. On Cassia's seventeenth birthday, Society chooses her perfect match for her. This will ensure her offspring are as healthy as possible. Cassia is lucky; out of everyone in her age group, she's the only one Matched to someone she already knows. Not only someone she knows, but her best friend, Xander.

But when she looks at the data, his picture disappears and another flashes on the screen for just a moment. Another boy she knows. One who is destined never to be Matched. Cassia is told this was a cruel prank and to forget it, to prepare for her life with Xander. But the more she tries, the more she thinks of her second Match. Until finally she is forced into a choice between everything she's ever known, and something she never could have imagined...


Matched is a fascinating read for all the little details spread through it. Cassia causally mentions that the Society only has 100 of most cultural things; 100 poems, 100 novels, 100 songs. There are a few Artifacts floating around, too; Cassia has an old powder compact, and her brother has a pocket watch. Most of the Officials seem friendly and helpful, until something goes wrong. Then they can literally be terrifying. The three pills issued to each citizen are troubling, as well; if the Cities are so safe, why does anyone need a nutrition pill designed to keep them alive for several days? Why are pills designed to calm your nerves handed out in such a blase way? And what is the purpose of the mysterious red pill?

Cassia's gradual realisation is perfectly handled. It's difficult to know which boy to root for; Ky is more interesting, but Xander is sweet and funny and genuinely cares for Cassia. This first of a trilogy will leave you desperate for more.

Whatever I've been feeling for Ky must stop. Now. I am Matched with Xander. It does not matter that Ky has been places I've never been or that he wept during the showing when he thought no one could see. It does not matter that he knows about the beautiful words I read in the woods. Following the rules, staying safe. Those are the things that matter. Those are the ways I have to be strong.

I will try to forget that Ky said 'Home' when he looked into my eyes.