Review: Delirium

Book: Delirium (Book 1 of Trilogy)

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: Feb. 1, 2011

Pages: 305

Source: Netgalley

Date Read: 1/24/11

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 Holway 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

Yani's Analysis:

Lena Holway is not your typical lead character. She is quiet, subdued, and obedient (not a rule-breaker like her best friend Hana). You would think that the story would be about the rebel, the one trying to fight the system, but instead there is little Lena who gets nervous attending co-ed parties. That is the point I guess, the amazing power of love. It didn't necessarily change her, but made her stronger, willful, and confident. Whereas Hana cowered in fear at the thought of life without the government's control.

I really enjoyed this book. I know many people will be comparing it to Matched, which is a great book in its own right. I think the story of love and human passion is greater in Delirium. With Matched, everyone sat back and watched while the government told them what to do. While in the world of delirium, you just felt bad for the people who lost the excitement and passion in life and became robots, devoid of love and humanity. 

I loved the way Oliver added verses and scripture from faux law book and religious text in the beginning of every chapter, it really shows the reader the type of world these characters are living in and the logic of their fear of love. When they took love out of the world, I don’t think they ever realized that there is more than one type of love. There is love for your family, friends, your pet, even compassion for others and their hardship. It turns the world insensitive and cold.

“Hate isn’t the most dangerous thing, He’d said. Indifference is.”

I think this book has a powerful message, and it doesn’t hurt that it has a beautiful love story as well. I am anxiously waiting for the second book as the ending of this one left my breathless.

Ratings: 

Plot: 4/5

Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5

Characters: 5/5

Similar Titles:

• Matched by Ally Condie
• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
  

Memorable Quotes:

"I wish I could close my eyes and be blown into dust and nothingness, feel all my thoughts disperse like dandelion fluff drifting off on the wind. But his hands keep pulling me back: into the alley, and Portland, and a world that has suddenly stopped making sense."