Wither by Lauren DeStefano follows Rhine Ellery, a young girl forced into a polygamous marriage in a dystopian future where genetic experimentation has drastically shortened human lifespans. Determined to escape, Rhine navigates complex relationships and uncover secrets within her captor's luxurious, oppressive mansion.

Reviews & Readership

4.0

101,687 ratings

64%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Lauren DeStefano's Wither is praised for its imaginative dystopian concept and descriptive prose, effectively creating a haunting atmosphere. The protagonist's strength garners positive attention, though some critics find the pacing slow and certain plot elements predictable. Character development is commendable but interpersonal interactions occasionally feel melodramatic.

Who Should Read Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1)?

Fans of dystopian fiction with a taste for romance and dark societal themes will enjoy Wither by Lauren DeStefano. Readers who appreciated Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games will find the novel’s intricate world-building, emotional depth, and strong female protagonist captivating.

4.0

101,687 ratings

64%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Book Details

Pages

358

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

•

•

Period

Setting

Futuristic World

Theme

Death

•

Future

Topic

Religion & Spirituality

Publication Year

2011