The dystopian genre has quickly permeated the Young Adult book scene, and for good reason: fans (like me) devour these novels.
When I first heard about Lauren Oliver’s Delirium, I was instantly intrigued. The description was enticing and the book seemed like it offered a different angle to the traditional dystopian adventure.
I was so excited to have the chance to read and review this book before its release. It is in stores today, and I have to tell you — it is completely worth the hype. Please, do yourself a favor and don’t miss this story!
“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.”
–Description from GoodReads
This story was heart-wrenching. I immediately liked Lena and saw a little of myself in her. She was definitely a rule follower, never trying to make any waves and just trying to get through until she could undergo the procedure that would change her life and allow her to be happy.
Isn’t it funny how sometimes we never see the happiness that is right in front of our faces? We’re always waiting for the one thing that everyone says will make you happy. The thing that society thinks will create the perfect life for you.
Alex was the cure to her rule-following life. He showed her how to feel, how to love. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and seeing Lena grow as an individual because of that relationship.
While all the other adults (who had gone through the procedure) seemed stunted emotionally and really, like zombies, Lena learns to live and feel and, even, to love.This is a very different kind of dystopian — the battle for freedom is not fought with swords or bows and arrows. It is fought with thought and emotion and longing. The captivity that encompasses this society is scary and a very real possibility. What if we got so tired of being hurt by love, that we wanted to feel nothing at all?
This book left me with many questions (can you say cliffhanger ending?) and had me thinking long after I finished the last page. I loved the characters and bawled my eyes out at some parts of the story.
Delirium epitomizes why I (and so many other readers) love dystopian fiction.
Quite appropriately, Lenore at Presenting Lenore is hosting Dystopian February this month. I’m linking up this review as part of her event. You can check out her blog throughout the month for other dystopian reviews, character mash-ups and more!
**Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books for the chance to read and review this book early. It in no way affected my opinion of this novel.**
I didn’t realize how much I actually cared for the characters, especially Alex, until the end of the book. Those emotions crept up on me, kind of like love crept up on Lena. 🙂
I loved this book too….can't wait for the next one!
I have been waiting to hear your review of this book because I thought it sounded so good! I can't wait to read it!!
Definitely have to read this one! Dystopian is becoming my new fave.
Yep, we felt the same way. We cried, we had questions and we cant wait for number 2.
Wasn't it AWESOME?! Too bad we have to wait another year for the next one! Ahhhh!
Great review 🙂
♥ Vanessa
Book Soulmates