Delirium - Review

Title ~ Delirium
Series ~ Delirium #1
Author ~ Lauren Oliver
Release Date ~ February 1, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ HarperTeen
Source ~ NetGalley

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

REVIEW

That buzzing sound you hear is not bees. It is the buzz surrounded Delirium and it is deafening. Lauren Oliver has created a dystopian masterpiece.

In Lena’s world, love is the disease – the deliria. She has been raised to believe that love is the root of all evil and it should be extinguished. Lena’s own past makes a compelling case for this belief. It is understandable that she would be anxious to be cured. I quickly grew sympathetic to Lena’s feelings.

The Book of Shh! (aka The Safety and Happiness Handbook), among other writings by the society, are quoted at the start of each chapter. These quotes give a peek into the society and why the members faithfully follow the leaders. It’s all they have ever known. Even their nursery rhymes teach that love is the disease.

Despite it all, Lena finds herself falling in love with Alex. Trying to avoid it is of no use as these two seem made for each other. Their love is genuine and pure. Alex, handsome and kind, has the power to change Lena’s heart.

Another interesting aspect of the cure, is that the adults have muted feelings. It is as if their feelings have been turned way down – almost completely off. I sort of felt like there was a teeny glimmer of feelings hiding in there sometimes. This story really got me wondering about adults and how they see things differently than kids do.

Delirium has the ending to end all endings. Cliffhanger from Mount Everest perhaps? Yeah, you need to read Delirium to experience it for yourself.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

At first, the cover looks so simple. Just the title and some swirlies on a turquoise background. Look closer, and you can see Lena’s face in the words. Sweetness. It’s unexpected, just like Lena’s story.