A utopian novel

A structured society, a culture where secrets cannot be harbored, a civilization where perfectionism counts, where sameness is pursued, where choices are limited, this is a utopia. This world takes place in the futuristic setting in Lois Lowry’s enchanting novel: “The Giver”. This fantasy explores the importance of individuality and the value of experiencing both pain and pleasure.

"The Giver” is a story of an eleven year old boy, named Jonas who lives in this utopian society. As he enters the twelfth year of his life he is assigned the job as the Receiver of Memories, a very rare and respected job within the community. The Receiver of Memories holds all memories of the past so the people do not need to experience pain, suffering, and other feelings. The occupation involves the former Receiver of Memory, The Giver, to transfer memories to Jonas. This gives him a new awareness of his community; he finds that the utopia he lives in is actually a dystopia. As a result it leads to an internal conflict within him as he struggles to accept the rules and customs which have been implanted in his world. He finds the inability to share his newfound knowledge with his community very frustrating. As the novel progresses he tries to the best of his ability to present his realizations to those around him.

"The Giver” is a very interesting and memorable story. It has a very unique storyline which investigates society and its downfall. Lowry published this book in 1993 in the height of political controversy over ethical and social family issues and discrimination versus identicalness. The expression of such controversial yet very important ideas caused many to react in outrage and ban this novel. Parents did not want their children to be exposed to such realistic issues, reflecting the protective streak in the dystopian community. Lowry has woven a story revealing the downside of our society; she has also emphasized the importance of individuality, memories, and the relationship between pain and pleasure. These themes which Lowry highlights to readers are ones which all can learn from.

Lowry’s novel “The Giver” is definitely a book no one should miss out on reading. This is a book classified as science fiction and a fantasy but those who are interested in society will also enjoy this story. Despite the fact that this novel has been censored, it is a work of art in the literary world which is interesting and a novel which all can learn from.