Review of Delirium by Lauren Oliver
When I first saw the cover of Delirium, I felt an immediate pull—there’s something so alluring about a world where love is deemed a disease. Lauren Oliver, fresh off her debut with Before I Fall, had crafted a premise that seemed ripe for exploration. Curiosity bubbling, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the thought of a society where the most profound human emotion is eradicated. As luck would have it, I received an ARC just before its release, and I dove right in, eager to witness Oliver’s magic again.
Set in a dystopian future where love is treated as a contagious affliction needing a "cure," the story follows Lena, our anxious protagonist who is preparing for her own procedure. The writing, like a delicate yarn, weaves together moments of beauty and reflection, echoing the depth I admired in Oliver’s previous work. Phrases like, “I hate skin; I hate bones and bodies. I want to curl up inside of him and be carried there forever,” spoke to the desperation of love’s complexity—an insight that lingered long after I turned the page.
However, as I delved deeper, my initial excitement was tinged with disappointment. Although I grasped the potential in Oliver’s concept, the execution felt lacking. Comparisons to Matched are unavoidable as both stories embrace similar themes, yet each resonance left me wanting. I found myself grappling with inconsistencies that jolted me from the narrative flow. For instance, how do characters casually ignore a significant injury while tripping over major life events? It made me pause and question the authenticity of their experiences.
The pacing, too, had its hiccups. While some sections flowed like a gentle stream, others felt a bit sluggish, straining under the weight of establishing a world that lacked sufficient depth. I craved a more robust background—a believable reason for society’s drastic shift towards lovelessness. The historical and scientific underpinnings remained vague, which left my mind racing with questions that went unanswered.
Lena’s transformation from a frightened follower of societal norms to a reckless lover is compelling at its core but felt rushed. Why does she fling herself into a romance with Alex, a character who, while charming, seemed a touch one-dimensional? I needed more! Their connection had promise, yet it only brushed the surface, relying too heavily on teenage infatuation rather than grounding it in a persuasive emotional journey.
Despite my critiques, Oliver’s lyrical prose shines through, creating moments that remind you of love’s intoxicating grip. There are gems nestled within the pages that reaffirm the power of emotional risk, helping maintain a sense of wonder.
In conclusion, Delirium might resonate with readers eager for a love story wrapped in dystopian flair, particularly young adults exploring themes of passion and compliance. Although it missed some opportunities to delve deeper into its compelling concept, the core of the story is still captivating. For me, it was a reminder of the delicate balance between anticipation and reality, leaving me longing for more heart, depth, and intrigue in a world that otherwise held infinite potential. If you’re willing to navigate its inconsistencies, you might just discover a story worth exploring.