Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Release Day: February 1st, 2011

Publisher: Harperteen

Pages: 441pgs

The Story

There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it.

Then, at last, they found the cure.

Now, everything is different. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway 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 then, with only ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable...

The Review

I've heard a lot of buzz about this book and I loved Before I Fall, the first debut novel for Lauren Oliver. The thing I love about the author's writing, is how she writes - it's well-controlled, stylized in a way that is almost lyrical, the kind of words that you would often see in elegant poetry. And that's one of the reasons why I love her books. As for this particular book, Delirium, I felt very drawn to the world Oliver brings to her readers and I can definitely understand how the Government can control you and the people around you - fearing everything they want you to fear and not questioning their 'beliefs'. To have a sense of security on your side. While the world building strengthened by each page and chapter, I felt the characters themselves weren't as built well as they should've been.

My first problem with the book was the length of the paragraphs and sometimes I found myself skimming a few of them, just to get to some character dialogue. Which then leads me to my second problem: there wasn't much dialogue to make you feel more emotionally tied with the characters, but there's two more books after Delirium...so we'll see. Despite that, I loved Lena and how the author made you feel confined just as the main character felt, which is a real talent in my opinion. As for her suppose "love interest" Alex, I really loved his character because he showed both Lena and us as the readers...a whole different world away from this strict way of life, and also testing the system Lena has always grew up in.

When it comes to the ending...oh don't get me started! I kind of expected the ending to be like it was, but man...it was a killer! And by the end of the pages, I was left to say, "Oh, is that it???" Personally I was depressed by this book, and ironically enough...the society Lena lives in is also depressing, so Lauren Oliver has even more talent to write a book that made you feel like the main character does. In saying that, if you love dystopian worlds, a little hint of Romeo and Juliet, and Before I fall - Lauren Oliver's first book - then, you'll love this!

The Rating

3/5 stars