"Memories are forever."
For most, The Giver was required reading during middle/ high school. And I'm sure many can remember enjoying it, or at least that it was not the worst of all of the required reading, but today they wouldn't recall what happened in the novel. This is unfortunate especially now when dystopian novels are so abundant, that you would miss out on such a fascinating and truly timeless read.
As I've stated this is a dystopian novel, set in no particular time in the future that follows Jonas, a 12-year-old boy who lives in a small rural society. The defining attributes of this community is their sameness: there is no true individuality between the people, or at least none to truly set one apart from all other people. Every year there is an aging ceremony for the children from one to 12-years-old where they are bestowed with a gift of sameness that is to teach them how to function and mature properly in the community. This includes identical jackets or community bikes for example. But the most important ceremony is that of 12: where each child will be given their position within the community.
As the novel begins Jonas contemplates and fears what will be chosen for him. While others seem inclined to end up in certain professions (IE a caregiver, a nurturer) he doesn't believe he has such a defining attribute. In an upset at this ceremony his name is skipped, making Jonas fear that he has failed his community and may be released. However, he is actually given the position of the community Receiver, the most prestigious position the community holds and the most confusing as no one seems to truly understand its position.
Soon Jonas begins to find out the truth: The original receiver now known as The Giver is the holder of all memories from the distant past, and has knowledge of all human existence. It is his role to hold these memories for the sake of the community to be able to keep their desire to stay the same. But Jonas quickly discovers how wrong the community has been.
"We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others."
When all people are the same and individuality is removed it means the removal of what makes humanity beautiful. There can be no color, no music or art, no emotions. There is no depth to humanity, no soul. This is what Jonas discovers. Humans become nothing but hollow shells, biding their time. And while it seems the original desire was to get rid of the bad such as pain, suffering, fights, anger, war, hunger, etc., it must be understood that to remove all bad things from humanity would erase humanity as well. The beauty of being alive is that there is good with the bad. Jonas understands now why it is worth the risk of pain so that one can feel love.
What sets this novel apart from other dystopian novels:
The general theme of dystopian young adult novels currently is a strong lead who sees the wrong in how their community has existed and seeks to change it. This can also be said of The Giver. However, there are some key differences between this and for example The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner or any others that have been more recently written.
The efforts of the protagonist typically are more physical in newer stories, causing our hero to need to defend themselves physically in order to exert power and show strength. Jonas however finds his strength intellectually, using his knowledge of the past now that has been given to him in order to make a difference. He chooses to leave the community in order for his memories to be released to the people, forcing them to face what they fear: change and individuality. And unlike many of the newer young adult novels that seem to develop a love story within, The Giver relies on the love of the past versus Jonas falling in love with a girl. Jonas desires no more than to sacrifice himself in order to free his community of their sameness.
I believe these key differences are what make The Giver an individual amongst other dystopian novels of today. It sends a message to listen to the past, our history, when making decisions but not to allow fear to overcome the good and beauty of humanity.
"The worst part of holding memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared."
RoxieReads Rating: ✭✭✭✭✭ (out of 5)
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