I like how this novel is written because the author did not start from the time Lena crossing the fence. The book began with Lena already in a school in New York. What I like about how Lauren Oliver told the story is she did some sort of parallel storytelling, the chapters would alternate with what is going on with Lena at present time and her ordeal after she crossed the fence.
After crossing, Lena managed to stay alive until she was found by a couple of people who brought her to what they call their home base. These people have managed to establish a small community and survive in the Wilds with limited resources. They are provided supplies by those living inside the border. They have organized a system amongst themselves. Everyone has to earn his or her keep doing whatever chores you are capable of such as washing the dishes, cleaning, cooking. You have to share something for the community.
The book, for me, dwells on the relationship of one person to himself, to another, of the individual to the society and vice-versa. Being in the Wilds, Lena has learned to fight for her survival. She was deprived of the comforts she was used to, lost the people she cares for. However there is no room for self-pity in the Wilds so she was determined to toughen up in order to survive out there.
Like what I said about living in the Wilds, each has to contribute in his or her own way. In doing so, the community becomes and functions like a family. They learn to co-exist, depend on and trust each other in order to survive. I really like this line in the book: "I wonder if this is how people always get close: They heal each other's wounds; they repair the broken skin." Come to think of it, there is some truth to that. Friendships are forged when we are going through something and a shoulder to cry on is needed. Before you know it, the once stranger has become one of your closest friends or you have become closer with your friends.
Aside from the limited resources, another downside from living in the Wilds is that it is never safe. People who have crossed over will always be regarded as uncured, hence, unsafe. They will never feel secure. They will always be hunted, their "homes" destroyed. There is nothing permanent with the way they live since they have to move when winter comes or when their homestead is discovered. They have to always be on guard, alert and ready for the worst.
I guess freedom has its price. Yes, those living in the Wilds are free from the constraints the society has implemented in order to have a deliria-free nation but at what expense? Living in the Wilds is not exactly a walk in the park. You must fend for yourself otherwise, death is a certainty. Actually, that is not really living but more like surviving in the Wilds.
Freedom certainly is not cheap. All around the world, wars have been fought in order for people to be free. Laws have been passed safeguarding our rights nonetheless even up to know we are still fighting for certain rights and freedom. Perhaps not from slavery or oppression but to be free from biases, bigotry, discrimination. Gays and lesbians are still fighting for their right to be accepted by society, to be respected just like any other human being. In some countries, women are still treated like second-class citizens. Our society is evolving, I just hope it's for the better.
Rating: 5 STARS
After crossing, Lena managed to stay alive until she was found by a couple of people who brought her to what they call their home base. These people have managed to establish a small community and survive in the Wilds with limited resources. They are provided supplies by those living inside the border. They have organized a system amongst themselves. Everyone has to earn his or her keep doing whatever chores you are capable of such as washing the dishes, cleaning, cooking. You have to share something for the community.
The book, for me, dwells on the relationship of one person to himself, to another, of the individual to the society and vice-versa. Being in the Wilds, Lena has learned to fight for her survival. She was deprived of the comforts she was used to, lost the people she cares for. However there is no room for self-pity in the Wilds so she was determined to toughen up in order to survive out there.
Like what I said about living in the Wilds, each has to contribute in his or her own way. In doing so, the community becomes and functions like a family. They learn to co-exist, depend on and trust each other in order to survive. I really like this line in the book: "I wonder if this is how people always get close: They heal each other's wounds; they repair the broken skin." Come to think of it, there is some truth to that. Friendships are forged when we are going through something and a shoulder to cry on is needed. Before you know it, the once stranger has become one of your closest friends or you have become closer with your friends.
Aside from the limited resources, another downside from living in the Wilds is that it is never safe. People who have crossed over will always be regarded as uncured, hence, unsafe. They will never feel secure. They will always be hunted, their "homes" destroyed. There is nothing permanent with the way they live since they have to move when winter comes or when their homestead is discovered. They have to always be on guard, alert and ready for the worst.
I guess freedom has its price. Yes, those living in the Wilds are free from the constraints the society has implemented in order to have a deliria-free nation but at what expense? Living in the Wilds is not exactly a walk in the park. You must fend for yourself otherwise, death is a certainty. Actually, that is not really living but more like surviving in the Wilds.
Freedom certainly is not cheap. All around the world, wars have been fought in order for people to be free. Laws have been passed safeguarding our rights nonetheless even up to know we are still fighting for certain rights and freedom. Perhaps not from slavery or oppression but to be free from biases, bigotry, discrimination. Gays and lesbians are still fighting for their right to be accepted by society, to be respected just like any other human being. In some countries, women are still treated like second-class citizens. Our society is evolving, I just hope it's for the better.
"If you want something, if you take it for your own, you'll always be taking it from someone else. That's a rule too. And something must die so that others can live." - Raven
Rating: 5 STARS
