The Giver

Title: The Giver
Author: Lous Lowery
Publication: 1993

Recently a new movie was released this year. It was entitled The Giver. It was the film adaptation of the novel by the same name. The movie was authentic to the story of the book. WARNING: SPOILERS

 

(image taken from this link)

(http://www.amazon.com/The-Giver-Quartet-Lois-Lowry/dp/0440237688)

 

Plot

The plot centered around an utopian community. Troubles, and disasters of the past were erased. Everybody was content and worry free, except for Jonas. He was a little scared. Jonas was about to receive his assignment in the community, but he had no idea about what it would be.

At the ceremony, all of his friends and classmate are assigned their jobs. One by one everyone is call. Everyone but Jonas that is. At first he is skipped over, then it is revealed that, Janos was selected as the new Receiver.

It is a special honor. When he reports for his first day, he meets one of the elders. The elder gives him a memory. In that memory, Jonas experiences life, and he learns the truth. His world is not perfect, because there is no choice. The human spirit was reconstructed. Emotions, colors, art, music and any other form of freedom or expression was erased.

Jason wakes up to the horrors his life. "Elsewhere" was the next step of happiness where old people go to. Actually it turns out that "Elsewhere" is just death. Jason decides to save a young baby from going to "Elsewhere". Jason runs away to break the chain of Givers and Receivers, and allow the memories to return to everyone.

Characters

    Jonas:

11-year old protagonist. He is selected as the new receiver of memory. Jonas is smart, collected and thoughtful.

 

    The Giver:

The old man of the community was the former receiver of memory. He holds the communities collective memory, and advices the elders when called upon.

 

   Chief Elder:

The elected leader of Jonas's community. She genuinely cares for the people. She prefers order and following the tradition of things.

     

Review and Commentary

I really enjoyed the story. The concept, plot, and characters were well developed. It places a price on peace and questions the idea of an utopia. The characters place their roles perfectly. The book leaves a plot hole. Readers have debated if Jason made it to safety or suffered hypothermia and death. Sequels and the movie wrap-up this debate.