Wither by Lauren DeStefano Series: The Chemical Garden #1
Published by Harper Voyager on March 22, 2011
Genres: YA, Dystopian
Source: Purchased
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Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery has only four years left to live when she is kidnapped by the Gatherers and forced into a polygamous marriage. Now she has one purpose: to escape, find her twin brother, and go home—before her time runs out forever.
It’s a dystopian book, I get it, it’s something supposed to be in the future and it’s pure fantasy, but . . . Really? A flood has devastated all but North America, the continent with the most advanced technology. I’m not having a debate about “the continent with the most advanced technology” because there are many discussions about that—America vs Japan—already and personally I think this is not the right place to start a conversation like that . . . Instead, I’d like to make a point for me even more important. If there was the possibility of a case of a flood like that, how could it be possible that Florida and New York—or at least a part of it, Manhattan—would still be around? Uhmm . . . I can’t help it, I have some serious qualms on the matter . . .
Apparently the society has no law, nobody really cares about children, women are kidnapped, sometimes even raped, and they’re forced into polygamous marriages—I couldn’t see an explanation about that—but the ones considered “undesirable” are killed. Nice, huh? And in all this there’s no way of an intervention of a single authority. BUT there are rich classes and then poor ones. Who does decide who’s rich and who’s poor if there’s no law at all? Any thoughts?
Despite this disturbing story world, I have to say that at first I thought the story was interesting and I liked the writing style. But after a while I started reading slowly not only because of what I previously said, but even because I couldn’t find a connection with any of the characters and this bothered me a lot. What to say about Rhine in particular? First she seems to be a very strong character, she knows what she wants more than anything and she’s determined to obtain her freedom and see her brother again and acting like she cares for her husband seems the key to reach her goal. But during this process it looks like she starts for real to feel something for him . . . And then you seriously start to feel confused and have no idea of what she really feels. To be completely honest I don’t think she has a personality at all.
I had big expectations from this book and that was a huge mistake because now that I’ve read it I feel so incredibly disappointed and I personally believe this is a book that you hate or love, there aren’t half ways.
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Through her creativity and blogging, Silvia has met people from different industries and collaborated with them on various projects over the years. Her strong passion for reading and her fascination for different cultures and languages have led her to develop a keen interest in the East-Asian continent. Off to see her? Follow the colourful book road . . . ♡
Well, as for the rich and poor thing, I don't think the laws are what decides that. Either you're rich and have money–weather they're stolen or not–or you don't and can't get food etc. and you're considered poor. That's how I see it at least. 🙂
I'm also not sure I get the part about her seeming to loose the personality when she starts to like this guy. But maybe I'm just way to used to Stockholm Syndrome and people starting to like their kidnappers! I'd think it is a pretty confusing situation. ;o
Oh and the marriages, isn't that to try and get the population back? They don't have too much time before they go… ._.
Buuut of course these things doesn't help you if you didn't like it! Just trying to answer your points. 😉 I can recognize the reading slowly part, 'cause I got there myself a while. I found it interesting! But there's just something there in the middle that slowed it… I honestly think I'm a little of the half way in liking this one, lol. But I'm always odd! I'm definitely wanting to read the second though! It's just a bit of a slower paced Dystopian and I might prefer the more action like. Not bad though! Sorry you didn't connect with it barley at all. :/ Great review though! Real explaining. Now, Divergent… that's a real good one… 😉 *wink wink* LOL!
I love how it looks like I analyzed your review or something. ._. LOL. Sorry, S! I'll give you a cookie if you read it all! Not sure you'd want it when it arrives though. o;
About reach and poor probably I explained it in the wrong way… What I meant is that ok, you have money (lucky you, LOL) and others don't but there are parties, television, gala, events or whatever just for "important" people… It's not like ok, I'm rich so I rule. Who decided YOU rule? And I agree with what you said about the marriages, but THREE? And here we go again, what kind of law they have? And the girls they shoot at? Let me get this straight, if I'm reach that means I can be a killer? No prison, no judgement… Okeeeey…
I didn't mean Rhine started to loose her personality after she felt something for her husband, if you wanna know it the ONLY character I really liked was Linden! Weird, huh? But still! Anyway, she started liking him and I wouldn't have a single problem with that if it wasn't for the fact that she seemed to be completely lost for Gabriel and then "Oh, poor Linden…", and again "Gabriel is so OMG!" and then "I love you Linden, but I still couldn't care less about that because Gabriel is a better kisser!" Of course she didn't say that but it was to point out! 😉 I don't get her. Freedom, that I get it, but her character and her feelings not at all.
Anyway, as I wrote in my review I personally believe this is a book that you hate or love, there aren't half ways.
Oh, and btw a review is a personal point of view so, of course there are people who can agree and people who disagree, but no offence taken about what you wrote because I always appreciate to know what people think, B. 🙂
P.S.: I have Divergent, I'm just too scared to give it a try right now…
Well, I guess it's the fact that they have money to buy girls which makes them rich and 'rulers'. ;o Plus, the snatchers are kinda evil kidnapping and selling girls in the first place…
Oh, well it sounded like she had it first! Sorry for the misunderstanding. Lol, I like Linden and Gabriel too!
It's not been a book I've loved like Divergent etc, but more a book I've liked. A bit slow and just… going with the flow book. Nothing I can say I was too invested in sadly. But an okay book! Compared to some other Dystopans it just doesn't give me the wow-effect.
Yeah, I get that! But it's definitely not the same, that I can tell you. 😉 It's way more our world today but twisted and lots of omg-action! Lol.
I heard many good things about Divergent, I've had that for a while and when I'll recover from this Dystopian disaster (always in my personal opinion) I'd surely read it! 😉
I am still in two minds wether to read this book or not, I have heard both good and bad things about it.
You should read Divergent, I loved it and finished it quite quickly. 😀
Ok girls, I think I got your message! LOL
Lol, good thing that. 😉 Hehe!