The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is a mysterious book set in an unknown time and place – possibly the future. It’s about Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy who is growing up in a Community that believes in everything the same. There are no colors, there is no weather, and there is no choice. People’s spouses, children, and jobs are all chosen for them.
Jonas is chosen to become the Receiver of Memories, a highly respected job which involves a lot of secrets, pain, and joy. After a year of training, Jonas realizes that his “perfect” Community might just have some flaws that are a matter of life and death.
This book is riveting. From the moment I opened it, I never wanted to put it down. Lowry gives out details of this unnerving Community little by little so the reader is not overloaded with information, but also not frustrated for lack of knowledge. The characters are intriguing. Their personalities are well-developed when the reader takes into consideration their unique backgrounds. The plotline is fast-moving and takes interesting turns and developments throughout the whole book.
The ending is the most controversial aspect of this novel. It is unclear what happens to Jonas, and a little baby Gabe that Jonas has come to love. To me, this is a bit maddening. I want to know more. To others, the ending is clear and a little depressing. But I think that is a mark of a good book – one that gets people talking.
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