The Giver, first published in 1993, is an example of YA dystopian fiction and a long enduring young adult classic that is required reading in many schools. It tells the story of Jonas, a boy who lives in an isolated society where emotion is suppressed, who becomes apprenticed to an elder known as the 'Giver' who is able to transmit memories of the past to Jonas. Through these memories, Jonas learns about strong emotions such as love and hate, and the dysfunctional nature of the society in which he lives. The Giver and Jonas decide that the only way to fix matters is for him to run away, so that the memories will return to the people of the community. However, matters are never so simple...
The Giver provides all the hallmarks of YA dystopian fiction: a young person being selected for a special role, the dawning realization of the world around them that brings the protagonist in conflict with authority figures, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, there are many themes that makes The Giver a very special novel. Most notably, is its exploration of memory. Memories define a group of people, and, more importantly, it provides people with individuality and makes them unique. In their desperation to create a Utopian society where suffering and discord don't exist, but in doing so, they've accomplished just the opposite, as Jonas soon learns. This exploration of memory, and the idea that evil can come from noble intentions, is very insightful, and are very mature themes that adults can learn from too. It is for this reason that I believe The Giver will never be topped. It provides insight not only for young readers, but for adults too. The book can be read and reread, and the reader will come away with a new insight each time. For such a slim book, that is not part of a larger series, it contains a very strong message that resounds down through the years. Two companion novels were published later: Gathering Blue and Messenger, but The Giver is by far the most well-known, and can be read as a standalone novel. Much to its benefit.
As of now, The Giver is still on many required reading lists, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. With its themes of memory and fallen intentions, and its immemorial story of a young man coming to age and realizing the evil around him, The Giver is a timeless novel that will accompany students and teachers for years to come.
The Giver provides all the hallmarks of YA dystopian fiction: a young person being selected for a special role, the dawning realization of the world around them that brings the protagonist in conflict with authority figures, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, there are many themes that makes The Giver a very special novel. Most notably, is its exploration of memory. Memories define a group of people, and, more importantly, it provides people with individuality and makes them unique. In their desperation to create a Utopian society where suffering and discord don't exist, but in doing so, they've accomplished just the opposite, as Jonas soon learns. This exploration of memory, and the idea that evil can come from noble intentions, is very insightful, and are very mature themes that adults can learn from too. It is for this reason that I believe The Giver will never be topped. It provides insight not only for young readers, but for adults too. The book can be read and reread, and the reader will come away with a new insight each time. For such a slim book, that is not part of a larger series, it contains a very strong message that resounds down through the years. Two companion novels were published later: Gathering Blue and Messenger, but The Giver is by far the most well-known, and can be read as a standalone novel. Much to its benefit.
As of now, The Giver is still on many required reading lists, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. With its themes of memory and fallen intentions, and its immemorial story of a young man coming to age and realizing the evil around him, The Giver is a timeless novel that will accompany students and teachers for years to come.
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