Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Details
Pages: 441
Publisher: HarperTeen
Released: February 3rd 2011

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

Delirium is set in a future where love is seen as a disease, or 'amor deliria nervosa', as it is called in the book. 

The story shows a quite disturbing future in which everyone must be cured of love at the age of 18. They are also matched with someone to marry and are told how many children they need to have together. Saying 'I Love You' or being overly affectionate with others is illegal.

The main character, Lena, has had quite a difficult past. We learn the backstory of her mother who, despite having the cure on several occasions, always managed to feel love. When Lena meets Alex, she learns what love truly is and starts to question the 'Cure'.

The ending of this book drove me crazy - I want the second book now! This is the fascinating first book in a series which I'm sure will be a huge hit.

I'd rate this book:
★★★★