Delirium

Lauren Oliver
HarperCollins (2011)
ISBN 9780061726828
Reviewed by Danielle Reid (age 17) for Reader Views (6/11)

In “Derilium,” people are most scared of one thing, “Amor Deliria Nervosa,” a disease that the government has done everything in their power to eliminate. Children are not allowed to associate with the opposite sex. Parents are discouraged from showing affection to their children. Dancing is regarded as suspicious activity, and individuality is frowned upon. The citizens in this society don’t really mind though; these rules are simply viewed as precautions against “Amor Deliria Nervosa,” also known as love.

Lena Haloway nervously awaits her eighteenth birthday, the day she will undergo a medical procedure that will disable her ability to love. She can barely wait to finally be happy with a husband that the government has selected for her without the fear of contracting “deliria” and falling victim to love. Then all her thoughts on the disease and its supposed “cure” change when Lena meets and discovers a dangerous attraction to Alex, a local boy. She is forced to reconsider the motives behind the government she has come to trust as she gives herself to a happiness she has been taught to fear. 

Lauren Oliver has one of the best writing styles I’ve seen in young adult literature in the longest time. Her word choice and syntax make the book seem like extended poetry, so the writing itself is undoubtedly beautiful. She does an excellent job of capturing Lena’s emotions, and readers easily follow the main character’s journey from fear and anxiety to happiness. I had heard so many great things about this novel and was pleasantly surprised that I received more than an enthralling story; I also got prose so breathtaking it emotionally touched me. When a book touches the heart and leaves the reader asking questions even after its completion, the author has really constructed something wonderful.    

Intentionally or not, there were so many profound topics ingrained into this novel--freedom, love, youth, friendship, the power of rebellion, and sacrifice, all of which are relevant to our daily life. Each theme had its spotlight, carefully weaved into the plot. There was much to take from “Delirium,” and there’s something for all ages to think about. 

The first hundred or so pages were slow-moving, but not boring enough to deter one from completing the novel. During this time, Oliver takes the time to set the stage, introduce characters, and exhibit what life in the dystopian society is like rather than advance the plot. I would have preferred if she carried out both of these tasks simultaneously, but it doesn’t subtract from the book’s quality in any way. Understanding the atmosphere of Oliver’s fabricated society is essential for appreciating not only the relationship that develops between Alex and Lena, but for the stunning ending of the novel that left me speechless. 

“Delirium” is a must read for 2011 that made me evaluate my relationships with the people in my life. It taught me that love isn’t something we should take for granted. Sure, it makes us act the fool at times, and there are instances where it hurts, but the alternative--a world without love--is unthinkable and cruel.  

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