The Setting: Palace vs. Province- Which Illéa Life Would You really Choose?

Can we please talk about the settings in The Selection. If you're obsessed with this dystopian book like I am, let's dive into what makes the settings so amazing!

America's Home Province: The Regular Life

Before America heads to the palace, she lives the Five life in the Carolina Province. Her family's house is:

• Small and crowded with her parents and siblings

• Has a tree house where she meets secretly with Aspen

• Has a music room where they practice because art is literally their job

The setting shows us just how hard it is to be a Five—they're not starving like Sixes or Sevens, but they definitely know what hunger feels like when performances are scarce. America's province represents the regular world before she enters the fairy tale.

The Palace: Grandeur!

The way Kiera Cass describes the palace makes you feel like you're actually there, trying on a gorgeous dresses and eating chocolate-covered strawberries, while plotting your next move with the prince. Angel Palace is basically every Pinterest board come to life:

• Massive gardens with secret hideaways

• There is a fancy Women's Room where the girls gather

• America's suite is bigger than her entire house at home

• The dining hall has endless food

• There is Great Room where they film the Capital Report

• There are secret passages that America discovers

Setting the Vibe and mood

The Outside World

This is where things are tough. There are rebels threatening the borders, people struggling in lower castes, and feelings of tension and uncertainty. Resources are limited, rules are strict, and there's basically no privacy. It sounds intense, right?

Inside The Palace Walls

Then you step inside the palace walls, and it's a whole different universe. We're talking luxury and excess. But don't let the fancy stuff fool you. It's also a place that is not as freeing as it seems. While there are lots of privileges, there are also lots of rules. Plus, there are hidden secrets and political games going on. And let's not forget the constant feeling that there are cameras everywhere. Imagine a reality TV nightmare at all time!

Why The Settings Matter So Much

The settings are so important because they represent the massive choices America faces. The palace represents the fake world she could choose. It looks beautiful, but it's full of hidden dangers. Her home province represents her real life and family ties. We even see how diverse Illéa is just by looking at the different provinces.

The gardens are a very important setting throughout the novel. They become that special place where America and Maxon can finally be real with each other. When America first sees her palace bedroom, she is completely blown away by the size. Getting to explore the secret library or hidden passages? Yes, please!

What Would You Choose?

Would you pick freedom in a smaller house or being trapped in a palace? Is luxury worth trading your privacy for? Does being famous sound cool, or terrifying when your every move is watched? That's why this book hooks you in , it's not just about who America picks, but which life she decides she wants to live.

Your Turn!

If you lived in Illéa, which province would you want to be from?

Would you rather have America's palace suite or her treehouse?

What caste do you think you'd be in?

Join us at our upcoming book club in the events section!