Plot summary, “Delirium” by Lauren Oliver in 8 Minutes - Book Review
0"Delirium" is a young adult dystopian novel written by Lauren Oliver. It was published in 2011 and is the first book in the Delirium trilogy, followed by "Pandemonium" and "Requiem."
The story is set in a future society where love is considered a disease called amor deliria nervosa. In this world, at the age of 18, every citizen must undergo a procedure known as the "Cure" to remove the ability to feel love and emotions. The government promotes this as a way to create a stable and harmonious society.
The protagonist, Lena Haloway, eagerly awaits her turn to be cured. She has been raised to believe that love is dangerous and a threat to society. However, just a few months before her scheduled procedure, Lena meets Alex, a boy from the Wilds, a rebellious area beyond the city borders where the Cure is not enforced. Despite her initial resistance, Lena falls in love with Alex, questioning everything she has been taught.
As Lena and Alex's relationship develops, they become involved with a resistance movement against the government and the oppressive regime. Lena starts to question the validity of the Cure and the world she once believed in, leading her on a dangerous and emotional journey of self-discovery and defiance.
"Delirium" explores themes of love, freedom, societal control, and individuality. It portrays the power of love and the desire for personal autonomy in the face of an oppressive regime. The novel combines elements of romance, dystopia, and suspense to create a captivating story.
The book received positive reviews for its compelling characters, emotional depth, and thought-provoking exploration of love as both a vulnerability and a source of strength. It was followed by two sequels that continue Lena's story and further explore the themes introduced in the first book.