Genre: Social Science Fiction
*Recommended more for Grade 6 Advanced and Grade 7 Beginner
Summary of The Giver written by Lois Lowry
“Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal world.
When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does Jonas begin to understand the dark secrets behind this fragile community. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.”
The Giver by Lois Lowry is written from Jonas’s point of view, an 11-year-old boy living in an idyllic futuristic society that has wiped out all pain, fear, war and hatred. Along with this, the society he lives is guarded and peaceful, having also embraced sameness.
At first, it seems to us that the world Jonas lives in is desirable but as the story progresses we soon realize this world seems to have lost all humane qualities, which can be seen through rituals like the Release of The Old. The fact that the things we take for granted such as the ability to see color, hear music, feel emotions and relive memories do not exist, makes this society too good to be true.
Perhaps the toughest part of the story to understand is the idea that in this society, Memory is kept by one of the town Elders, as supposed to where in our society memory is something private that each individual owns. When I first came across this it was very startling yet fascinating (try imagining a complete stranger knowing everything about you!). There is only one person who keeps the Memory so that the townsfolk don’t need to be burdened by the emotion wrecking memories. Through the keeping of the Memory, he is able to counsel the other Elders when making important decisions. I guess I was fine until this part but when I found out the truth about Releasing Newchildren or the Old, I was shocked. Since many people may not have read the book yet I will refrain from making any spoilers.
Personally, instead of the over complex plot, the simplicity of Jonas trying to escape his community allows the reader to be more engrossed and notice the tiny details in the story more. This also leaves more room for the reader to think deeply about the issues within the book.
Everyone is entitled to have their own opinion, whether they hate or absolutely adore this book. Either way, it is a fact to many people that The Giver is a beloved modern classic that allows readers to learn, think and discuss about concerning issues. Ignore all the things you’ve heard about this book and give it a try.
NOTE: If you enjoyed this book please read the other fantastic books in this series by Lois Lowry!
