Reviewed by:Norlan
De Groot Key words: Modern Work,
Fiction, Fantasy, Novel, American Literature
Recommended Reading Level:
Grades 7, 8, 9.
Theme: The human spirit
can not be limited or controlled without changing it altogether.
Summary: Twelve-year-old
Jonas lives in what he thinks is a perfect, controlled, world, until he
is singled out to be the new Receiver of Memories. He discovers true pain
and pleasure, joy and sorrow—and the shallowness of life lived without
them. He devises a plan to save himself and change his community forever,
but he has no assurance that the plan will work.
Strengths: Although Jonas’
world is radically different from the real world, Lowry’s deft writing
makes this community believable. Lowry also touches upon important themes
such as infanticide and euthanasia. These themes are presented in disturbing
ways in the book, as they should be.
Weaknesses: The ending gives
good closure to Jonas’ life, but it doesn’t do so for the community in
which Jonas grew up. Many questions are left unanswered which should be
addressed by a teacher or parent.
Other Notes: Some elements
of this book are disturbing, such as the time when Jonas’ father has to
“release” a newborn twin. But then again, infanticide ought to be disturbing.
Other disturbing elements include the ways in which the elderly are treated.
This book should give nightmares to those who advocate abortion or euthanasia.
Lowry,
Lois. The Giver. Reissue edition. Laureleaf, 1996.