Dearly, Departed summary

Beginning of an Unlikely Love Story

In Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel, we are introduced to a futuristic world where the living and the undead coexist. The book begins with Nora Dearly, a young woman living in New Victoria, a society that resembles the Victorian era. Following her parents' death, she is left under the care of her aunt, who has plans to marry her off to a wealthy suitor.

However, Nora's life takes an unexpected turn when she is kidnapped by a group of "zombies" or "post-humans", individuals who have been infected with a virus that turns them into the undead. But instead of being harmed, Nora finds herself in the company of a group of well-mannered, intelligent post-humans, including Bram Griswold, a young soldier who captures Nora's heart.

An Unconventional Romance

Despite his undead state, Bram is remarkably human in his behavior and emotions. He is loyal, brave, and fiercely protective of Nora. Their relationship develops slowly, with both characters grappling with the societal norms that dictate their lives. Nora's initial fear and repulsion towards Bram gradually give way to understanding and affection, and she begins to see the post-humans as individuals rather than mindless monsters.

As their bond deepens, Nora and Bram, along with their companions, become embroiled in a dangerous political conspiracy. They uncover a plot to use the post-humans as weapons in a war against New Victoria, leading them to question the ethics of their society and the treatment of the post-humans.

Challenges and Revelations

Amidst the chaos and danger, Nora and Bram's love continues to bloom, but it is not without its challenges. The stark differences between the living and the undead, the prejudices they face, and the constant threat of violence create obstacles that test their relationship. Yet, their commitment to each other remains unwavering.

Throughout the story, Habel provides insightful commentary on societal norms, prejudice, and the nature of humanity. The post-humans, despite their undead state, display remarkable humanity, while many of the living characters, including Nora's aunt, exhibit callousness and cruelty.

A Fight for Freedom

As the plot unfolds, Nora and Bram find themselves at the center of a rebellion. They join forces with the post-humans to fight for their rights and freedom, challenging the oppressive regime and the prejudiced attitudes of the living. The couple's courage and determination in the face of adversity underscore the book's themes of love, equality, and the resilience of the human (and post-human) spirit.

In the end, Dearly, Departed is not just a love story but also a tale of survival and resistance. It challenges our perceptions of what it means to be human and urges us to look beyond appearances and societal constructs. The book ends with a promise of hope and a future where the living and the undead can coexist in harmony.