BOOK REVIEW
Summary
The story of a 12 year old boy who lives in a seemingly utopian community where the present and the future of its citizens were decided by a small group called the elders. Our hero is Jonas, a soon-to-be 12, the right man in the wrong place. Every closing of the year, his little community held an event to celebrate the changes that occur as every citizen below 12 adds an additional year into their lifetime.
These changes aren't as constricted to the physique as you perverts might suspect. As they grew older and more capable, every kid is bestowed with privileges as well as responsibilities. (See it's a mixture of personal - physique, mental - and structural - the duty that entails). Every citizen, especially the elevens longed for December, when they turn 12. But not for Jonas, the anticipation was terrifying, the transition to twelve announced a new uncertainty... the assigning of jobs.
Jonas's apprehensive disposition heralded the impending trials and hardships when he's selected to serve as The Receiver of Memories. Each day spent in training he gradually became aware of the truth surrounding his seemingly self-sustainable and tranquil community.
Thoughts and Opinions
I read this book during quarantine. Vexed by the labor of college I decided to pick up something light. A children's book might suffice. A quick google search pointed me to a book with a distinct dystopian-totalitarian scent. Readers attuned to the works of Orwell's 1984 or Collin's Hunger Games will gravitate towards The Giver, and feel right at home. But Lowry demarcates its identity from its peers by the dash of optimism, a contrast to your grim orwellian prognosis. Poor Winston.
Verdict
I highly recommend you to pick this up if you're into coming-of-age mystery drama mixed with a healthy dose of surrealism. This book plays with literature conventions to deliver unsettling, beguiling, yet heartfelt stories to the palm of your hand. A quick and easy read!
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