Requiem: Delirium, Book 3. By Lauren Oliver. 8 CDs. 10:10 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2013. ISBN 978-0-385-36141-5. $65.
Gr 9 Up –Oliver’s final novel (HarperCollins, 2013) in the “Delirium” trilogy uses alternating chapters—Lenaand Hana—to run parallel story lines between opposite worlds until the two literally collide in a brilliantly crafted ending. In 21 days, Hana,Lena’s childhood best friend, is to marry Fred Hargrove, a
secretive, sadistic man whose political platform to restore order got him elected mayor. Hana harbors a dark secret of deceit and betrayal. Three days have passed sinceLena, Julian, and a renegade band of Invalids escaped the regulators (and certain death) and returned to the Wilds, which is no longer a safe haven since Hargrove’s election. The unexpected reappearance of Alex, whoLenanever stopped loving, muddles her feelings for Julian in this complicated love triangle. Determined in their quest to change the future, they join the Resistance. Sarah Drew’s narration is fantastic, vividly capturing every human emotion: venomous hatred, whooping joy, flattened resignation, gut-wrenching loss, and wistful love. This harrowing tale of love in all its forms—especially the love of freedom of choice, be it right or wrong—is a riveting page-turner. Oliver saved the best for last–Cheryl Preisendorfer,Twinsburg City Schools,OH
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