Wither (Chemical Garden, Bk 1)
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
WITHER is a stunner of a dystopian YA debut. It immediately blew its way onto my favorites list, and does its breathtaking cover and alluring jacket summary justice.
Ill be honest: at first I thought that WITHERs premise was going to be all flash and no substance, but Lauren DeStefano immersed me in Rhines world quite convincingly. Reading WITHER is perhaps a lot like looking at an enchanted old piece of art: things look discolored and damaged at the surface, but youre drawn to the magic whispering of beauty beneath. Neither Rhines world nor the writing feels particularly pretty: the narration often seems to be told at a distance from its occurrence, and Im still having trouble wrapping my mind around the very concept that a world in which people died before the age of 25 could exist as a potential future for us.
Nevertheless, theres something about the story that compels you to keep reading. Trapped both physically and emotionally by her situation, Rhine cannot be as vibrant a protagonist as others have been, but we still feel drawn to her and are amazed by her doggedness, though we might not necessarily empathize with or even like her. The storys setup may feel a little far-fetched, but its the careful and thorough character development and emotional range that brought me to my knees before this books achievement. There is no melodrama here: for example, Rhines sister-wives reactions to their shared situation feel instinctual. Gabriel worms his way into our hearts as subtly and dependently as he does Rhines, but even Linden gets our sympathy vote, and it becomes truly difficult to decide whether Rhine is better off with Gabriel or Linden. The only character who seems a little underdeveloped is Housemaster Vaughn, he of the dreaded Voldemort-esque presence over the entire household.
Others Ive talked to have mentioned a slight disconnect they felt from Rhine, her world, and other characters, but I didnt really have this problem. Rhine keeps a cool face yet simmers with anger and despair withinand she has every reason to be so. After all, no matter how luxurious her new life is, it was not by choice, and yet she has to act at least grateful lest her captors easily replace her with another girl they steal off the streets.
WITHER is one hell of a powerful read, intriguing, thought-provoking, and an amazing example of dystopian literature at its best. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a story that will immerse them utterly in a strange and ominous world with characters that will imprint themselves on your heart. Its not even 2011 yet as I write this review, and yet I have no doubt that this book will stay on top of my Best of 2011 list 13 months from now.
Ill be honest: at first I thought that WITHERs premise was going to be all flash and no substance, but Lauren DeStefano immersed me in Rhines world quite convincingly. Reading WITHER is perhaps a lot like looking at an enchanted old piece of art: things look discolored and damaged at the surface, but youre drawn to the magic whispering of beauty beneath. Neither Rhines world nor the writing feels particularly pretty: the narration often seems to be told at a distance from its occurrence, and Im still having trouble wrapping my mind around the very concept that a world in which people died before the age of 25 could exist as a potential future for us.
Nevertheless, theres something about the story that compels you to keep reading. Trapped both physically and emotionally by her situation, Rhine cannot be as vibrant a protagonist as others have been, but we still feel drawn to her and are amazed by her doggedness, though we might not necessarily empathize with or even like her. The storys setup may feel a little far-fetched, but its the careful and thorough character development and emotional range that brought me to my knees before this books achievement. There is no melodrama here: for example, Rhines sister-wives reactions to their shared situation feel instinctual. Gabriel worms his way into our hearts as subtly and dependently as he does Rhines, but even Linden gets our sympathy vote, and it becomes truly difficult to decide whether Rhine is better off with Gabriel or Linden. The only character who seems a little underdeveloped is Housemaster Vaughn, he of the dreaded Voldemort-esque presence over the entire household.
Others Ive talked to have mentioned a slight disconnect they felt from Rhine, her world, and other characters, but I didnt really have this problem. Rhine keeps a cool face yet simmers with anger and despair withinand she has every reason to be so. After all, no matter how luxurious her new life is, it was not by choice, and yet she has to act at least grateful lest her captors easily replace her with another girl they steal off the streets.
WITHER is one hell of a powerful read, intriguing, thought-provoking, and an amazing example of dystopian literature at its best. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a story that will immerse them utterly in a strange and ominous world with characters that will imprint themselves on your heart. Its not even 2011 yet as I write this review, and yet I have no doubt that this book will stay on top of my Best of 2011 list 13 months from now.
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