Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Author: Lauren Oliver

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 government 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.

BOOK REVIEW:

The very first dystopian book that I read was something that I didn't like, it was Matched by Allie Condie. I found the plot buried under extreme fluffiness (hey look, a mini review). After that, I tend to shy away at dystopian-themed novels. So when my friend practically shoved Delirium down my throat suggested I read Delirium, I laughed at her face. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! No.

AND then another friend gushed about this book and how "I should REALLY read it". Okaayyyy. And then another friend and another and another... Basically, I caved in.

In the story, Amor Deliria Nervosa is a sickness that should be avoided or treated at all cost. If a person shows any kind of intense emotion, s/he will be questioned by authorities. In short, no PDA! It reminded me a lot of this movie called The Invasion, starring Nicole Kidman. But instead of Aliens taking over your body, it is the Cure that makes you "numb" and immune to love. I liked the idea of this book, especially how it was implemented. Lauren Oliver delivered a solid plot and likable characters. Her story-telling was fantastic!

Having said all that, I didn't feel a strong connection between Lena and Alex. The relationship between the characters (Lena, Alex, Aunt Carol, Jenny, Rachel) weren't complex and interesting. I did, however, like the relationship that was established between Lena and Hana. Their friendship felt real to me. But since this is a romance-based dystopian book, I was expecting an emotional-driven love story, something that went beyond touching and kissing. Sadly, I did not see that here. I mean, don't get me wrong, the story wasn't incredibly cheesy or anything, but it lacked depth. There wasn't enough justification on why the characters should fight for their love. I couldn't symphatize with them; there was even a point in the book where I felt that taking the Cure was for the best.

The cruelty showed by the society felt rather forced. Honestly, the only time I felt for Lena had something to do with her mother.


The world-building is actually good and believable. And like I said before, Oliver delivered a solid plot. So I guess that I can safely say, "This book wasn't for me." I enjoyed reading Delirium, but I wouldn't go around shoving this on people's intestinal tract gushing about it!

RATING: