Wither, by Lauren DeStefano, is a dystopian, science-fiction novel that explores a futuristic society where women live no longer than twenty years and men twenty-five. The lessened age span is caused by a widespread virus that causes adults in their twenties to be weakened to the point of death. As thematic side-effects of this virus, the future world is filled with polygamy, ultramodern genetic technology, and the constant feeling of death. The lead character, Rhine Ellery, becomes a dynamic heroine in Wither as she realistically grapples with the onset of an early adulthood and shortened life expectancy, complicated feelings of love and pain as a member of her husband’s harem, and the gritty search for her own individuality, no matter how ephemeral.
This novel brings together vivid images to describe a realistic future for humanity and a wondrous and slightly imaginable scene of the future world. This entire fiasco that future world revolves around, the virus, happened because of humanity’s need for perfection and control of each other’s humanity. Humanity tries to control every person’s life in this future, even in their genes. Babies, before Rhine’s generation, were conceived as ‘designer babies’ with their genes picked to prevent diseases, from diabetes to cancer, in the pursuit of perfection. The side effect was the virus, unknown to anyone until the children of this ‘designer baby’ generation were struck ill. By trying to create the perfect human and criticizing their own genetics, humanity is seemingly punished for their arrogant attempt at a genetic panacea. Rhine wants to break free from the now ‘norm’ of this society and live her life fully, though it may only last for a very short time.
DeStefano’s novel opens to Rhine’s description of the world she lives in. At this moment she is unclear of her surroundings and her future. After the many warnings from her brother, Rowan, Rhine thought she would never be captured to be sold as a child bride. However, Rhine is bought by a ‘house governor,’ a wealthy man who purchases child brides in hopes that they will have children to one, increase the population number, and two, use their children as experiments to find an antidote for the virus. Linden, Rhine’s new husband, has four wives in total. By all marrying Linden, they become sister wives. They stand by each other and help each other so they might be happy even though this is not the life they want to be living. It is made clear from the beginning that Rhine shall become Linden’s most favored wife and though he truly does love her, she can never love him fully in return.
Wither is a vigorous novel that opens the eyes of the reader to a very realistic future America. As DeStefano’s first novel, it is an incredible debut, and her next installments of the trilogy should be as astounding as the first. The reader instantly becomes attached to each unique character DeStefano created. Each personality and back story allows every character to become alive and the reader wants each one to have their happy endings. Linden is a character who should have a happy ending. He is shielded from the real world his entire life and just wants to be loved. The countryside, where the estate is located, has none of the poverty and austere living conditions like the cities do. The cities are dangerous and have no mercy towards the new-age children. Linden believes that every person is treated fairly; the reader sees his ignorance of society increase. Rhine learns to appreciate Linden only as a brother because of his minor knowledge of what really happens in the cities. Being unaware of what is truly happening causes Rhine angst if Linden was ever allowed outside this house’ walls. Other characters, such a Jenna, Rhine’s sister wife, have very complex personalities. Jenna hates Linden because of how he thinks this world should work and how her life is going to end. She truly does like Linden before the end of the novel, but never allows herself to say differently because she if she does she will consider herself weak for trusting him.
Wither is a book that provokes the readers to think about the future. The constant theme of our reliance on preventative genetic research shows DeStefano’s understanding that the human race is imperfect, no matter what may happen. The virus causes body strength to wither away, causes society to wither into obscurity and our minds to wither toward subordination. It is a thoroughly enjoyable book that opens the mind to a different world that can be possible. Wither has an impact on the thoughts of what the future is to become, what the whole human race is becoming and how fast society as we all know it is withering away.
