Let's Hurry up and See the Light Already (Review #1)

Why is Lena Haloway so one sided on the idea that love is actually a disease?

The novel Delirium, by Lauren Oliver is set in a world where love is actually a disease known as amore deliria nervosa. Once you reach the age of 18, the government sends you to a procedure where doctors “cure” you of having feelings of attachment and assign you a spouse. Lena is the main character who, for some reason, is still being stubborn about the amore deliria nervosa being a bad thing even 230 pages into the book. (For those of you who are wondering, yes, it is almost exactly halfway through and she has had no change of opinion). She says that "and the thing, the disease is inside of me, ready at any moment to start working on my insides, to start poisoning me," (Oliver 142) in referance to love. Poison is a strong word to use. She completely and undoubtedly believes it is a bad thing.

I will say that some progress has been made though. For example, her best friend is starting to see the light (that the government is actually corrupt. Who would have guessed?) And she even met a boy who has feelings for her and is portrayed as the perfect love interest. I’d say that’s a good set up for her opinion to change.

 I suppose it could be because it has been ingrained into her mind for 18 years that love is a horrible thing. Or it could be because it is against the law (It’s punishable by death). But come on! I’m ready for some serious action. When will she betray the suppressive government? Or when will she lead a rebellion? When will she finally realize that having feelings for another is not a bad thing? Let’s go Lena! Pick up the pace a little bit!

I would say that since my whole life I have known people striving for love that I am a bit biased. I was raised that way so I would guess that is why I feel that way. Lena was raised differently (and much more strictly) so I guess I can’t be too critical. Although, the signs are staring her right in the face and if she would just get over her obstinate opinion then she could see she was in the wrong and the story could move on.

Lena Haloway, it’s time to see the light and love it.