Delirium

http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/10342808-delirium

Delirium is a beautifully written book that takes place in the ninety-five days leading up to Lena’s procedure. As Lena finishes school and goes through the motions of evaluation and pairing. Lauren Oliver expertly weaves in the story of Lena’s upbringing and her friendship with best friend Hana. This is such a rich and detailed novel spanning the whole of Lena’s life.

There is nothing in this story that is predictable and the reader is repeatedly stunned by twists and revelations in the story. I loved the characterization of Lena and Alex and the description of Lena’s experiences as she comes to terms with feelings and emotions that she simply does not have words for.

Lauren Oliver has an amazing style of writing and is able to take the reader through a full range of emotional responses. Happy, sad, mad. We feel them all. It is safe to say that I felt devastated by the ending of the book and had certainly not expected to be put through the wringer again following some of the book’s more shocking turns. The author really shows the point of sacrifice. SPOILER  When Alex rescues her and they attempt to escape the city and Alex allows himself to be captured and shot on the spot to save Lena, thats a hige sacrafice. It really gets the theme of making sacrafices for the people you love. Lena doesnt even have a chance to grieve, she has to escape into the woods after seeing Alex get shot.