The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver
The Giver Quartet Book One
Written by Lois Lowry
Classics, Dystopian
Published April 1993
240 Pages
Add to Goodreads
Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birthmothers produce newchildren, who are assigned to appropriate family units, one male, one female, to each. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. The community is a world without conflict, inequality, divorce, unemployment injustice... Or choice.

Everyone is the same. Except Jonas.

At the Ceremony of Twelve, the community's twelve year olds eagerly accept their predetermined Life Assignments. But Jonas is chosen for something special. He begins instruction in his life's work with a mysterious old man known only as The Giver. Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test, when he must try to save someone he loves, he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late?
Almost twelve year old Jonas lives within The Community, where citizens only see black and white and everyone is considered a pillar of society. Families are by design, with girls at twelve selected to train as Birthmothers. Each selected couple are allocated one boy and one girl, all sharing the same birthday and given their name before reaching their new family. The community is engineered, from your spouse to your life assignment, the position of work you're placed in until you can no longer work. Those who choose not to abide by the rules are Released, sent to supposed community outside of their own who take in the elderly, multiple births and the unwilling.

When the life assignment ceremony takes place, for the first time in ten years a new Receiver is chosen. It's a prestigious title that carries great responsibility, and Jonas finds himself being trained by a man simply known as The Giver. He is set to receive the wisdom and insight of a world that is far removed from the idyllic community he lives in today. Through memory transfer, he learns more about the human condition, poverty, war and the disposition to destroy rather than create. As he receives each memory, Jonas begins to see beyond the black and white landscape of The Community. He now sees colour, feels emotion, sees the injustice in the guidelines that take away freedom of choice for his peers, and the truth of the Release. 

But having the gift to see beyond the immediate has changed Jonas' perspective, and he can no longer return to abiding by the extreme rules. He's on the verge of losing his last connection to The Community, and along with The Giver, is determined to free those under the unknowing oppression. 


The Giver wasn't at all what I'd expected. While it certainly didn't live up to the praise, I did enjoy it nonetheless. It follows the story of Jonas, a boy who sees beyond the world he lives in. Reminiscent of a cult like community, no one challenges the rules but rather simply obey. Citizens live without freedom and choice, and the only person in a position to change is The Giver, and now Jonas as the Receiver. The storyline was wavering between contemporary and paranormal, rather than dystopian for me. Little explanation is given to how the community came to be, other than glimpses of the world through The Giver's shared memories.

I can imagine as one of the first dystopian type young adult novels released, The Giver went on to inspire such series as The Hunger Games and Divergent. It was novel, unique and had me enthralled from beginning to end. But as groundbreaking as The Giver was, it left me feeling deflated. At only two hundred pages, it felt so incredibly clinical, character development was sacrificed in order to build the world that was The Community. As much as I like Jonas, as a character you're only given a basic view of his identity and that of his family. The concept is brilliant, and although it was well written, I wish it had of been further developed to create an emotional connection with Jonas and his plight.

But it was the ending that unraveled for me. Open ended, the reader is left to draw their own conclusions. While most readers enjoy the mystery and imaginative path the storyline too, I didn't. I felt cheated and angry that I'd invested in the storyline, only to have it not reach that definitive ending I so desperately needed.



Which brings me to my question. What open endings have you found that forced you into a book rage? Recommend your choices in the comments below, but remember, no spoilers please.

46 comments

  1. I actually was never much invested in the plot or characters of The Giver, even though I adored the setting and the premise. So the open ending didn't annoy me that much. I personally see it as straddling the line between MG and YA, since it's such a light read and not very YA-ish, if you know what I mean. The worldbuilding really was spectacular, though.

    I normally enjoy open endings -- in fact, I don't think I can name an open ending I really disliked. The only endings that I don't enjoy are the books with sequels but an ending which I'm 100% okay with putting down there and ending it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same Alyssa. I found it a little too short to really form that attachment with any of them, even Jonas sadly. It does read as more so middle grade doesn't it, but I think the reader probably needs to be that little bit older to fully understand the underlying political and social tones throughout the storyline.

      Delete
  2. Open endings suck big time (but this one is a series book so it's slightly okay). The concept sounds gorgeous! The Community and how Jason's perspective changes is brilliant (this old man must be quite the something!). I love character development and it's sad that it was put down for the worldbuilding - but if the world was truly great then maybe I can ignore it? Maybe? :) Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've heard that further along in the series, it'll revisit these characters thank goodness. Happy or sad, with most books I really need that closure. But seeing book two follows a whole new set of characters, it'll be a while before I get to them. Being as short as it was, I think it really needed to be one or the other. But the world building was incredible, and well worth the read Mawa, it's practically a classic now.

      Delete
  3. I definitely want to read this! I love dystopians :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Frannie. One thing you'll notice when reading this one, is how many other books have used aspects of the same concept since. It certainly has inspired so many dystopians out there.

      Delete
  4. Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of the ending for this one. I don't mind CERTAIN open endings, I guess but for the most part, they do leave you feeling a bit "what? that's it?" I can't really think of any specific books at the moment though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it really could have been incredible if it had of been just that little bit longer Lauren, it was a quick read and I enjoyed it for the most part. The ending was just too unresolved for my tastes though.

      Delete
  5. I've heard a lot of mixed things about the way this book ended but I'm really curious about this one! I heard the move is no good but the book is definitely something I have to get around to this year.

    Lovely review, Kelly <33

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually seen the movie the other night, after I finished reading this one and I actually enjoyed the movie more. It felt so much more resolved. They changed quite a bit to adapt, but it was for the better and overall, just felt more well rounded.

      Delete
  6. Enjoyed your review, yes I felt exactly the same about this novel - rather let-down and disappointed, although there were definitely really great moments too! I know it has a sequel but I've never bothered to read it, possibly because as you say, I didn't feel that gripped by the characters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rachel and thanks for stopping by.
      Have you seen the movie yet? It's much more engaging and far more resolved than the book. After seeing it, I'm actually interested in continuing the series on.

      Delete
  7. Hehe, YES THE ENDING IS A KILLER. I think I read it when I was like 14...so I really didn't get it. I just was like "Um, where is the rest of the book?" but I wasn't a huge reader back then and I really didn't appreciate it. NOW? I love it. I love the book, I love the questions and I love how frightening the world really is.
    IT'S SCARY, OKAY?!
    I wanted to kidnap all the characters from this author because she's so mean. Have you seen the movie?? IT IS INCREDIBLE.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did. I actually watched it the other night after finishing the book, and loved it even more so. The changes they made with the adaptation were much, much better. I only wish the book had of been resolved the same way. I wonder if they're making any more.

      Delete
  8. I've read this book back when I was 14, I wasn't a huge fan at the time but I doubt I understood it. I'm going to re-read it again soon, so many people I know are liking this one, including you! Beautiful review :) Benish| Feminist Reflections

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Benish. I think being older now, you might have a new found respect for the underlying political and social tones. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

      Delete
  9. YES THAT ENDING! In fact, with an ending like that, I'm so confused about why I never went on with this series. I remember reading it after Hunger Games, just because I was seeking for dystopias to fill the void, and it was certainly a bit before the whole genre blew up. You're so right though, if I had read it now, I would definitely frown at the world building. Definitely not the best out there. Fantastic review, Kelly! You're always on point!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jess. As much as I did enjoy it, it just wasn't engaging enough for me. It wasn't long enough to really develop the characters and I felt disconnected from them all, except from Gabe really. I'd like to go on, but the ending left me really deflated and I feel as though I'm probably setting myself up for more disappointment really.

      Delete
  10. Have you read the others in the series? I found them more engaging but totally unlike any quartet or trilogy I have read before. I wonder if the endings are a deliberate way to make the reader interact with some of the values, the what ifs and the ways that those values can be reflected in values they see around them or hold themselves. I think Lowry is such a clever writer and as a teacher I see a lot of jumping off points for really good discussions in all 4 of the books. Too scared to watch the movie in case they have ruined the book....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They didn't, the movie stayed fairly true to the book, but visually the ending felt more resolved even though it didn't differ from the storyline. I think it's come to a point where I've read so many incredible dystopians, that this seemed pretty bland in comparison. It's wonderful for creating discussion though, and seeing how clinical everyday life was, really does make you question how society is even today as a whole.

      Delete
  11. I can't believe I've never read The Giver. I've heard great things about it (I mean, come on, it won the Newbery Medal) and I love Lois Lowry's writing, but I've just never picked this one up. Some open endings can feel like a little bit of a cheat. I had a similar problem with She Is Not Invisible. The ending wasn't open, but I did feel like so many stakes and plot twists were built up for an anticlimatic ending when I was expecting something HUGE.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the first I've read from her actually, come to think of it, it's the only series I've heard of that she's written, so I must check the others out. Couldn't have said it better myself Ana, you do feel a little cheated. It's just a personal preference for me, I like everything wrapped up. Including my fictional novels as well. It's really a curse.

      Delete
  12. I'm glad to see I am not the only one who has yet to read the Giver. I thought I was alone! I am also quite surprised to see it is part of a series.
    I wonder if you will see the movie??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually watched the movie after reading this, and I must admit, I really preferred the movie. I found I was more connected to the storyline and characters visually, and it just felt more developed than the book.

      Delete
  13. Awww Kelly sad to hear that this one wasn't for you! It definitely did have a frustrating open ending, I wish the sequel actually addressed it! The movie was really brilliant though I found, it brought a lot more meaning to the ending. Great review lovely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jeann. I liked it well enough, but just needed that little bit more to fully engage me. I completely agree, the film was so much more well rounded.

      Delete
  14. But there are sequels!!! I mean, I know how it felt - because I read it and all - but perhaps we get more answers in the sequels?? I thought the ending from the movie - while it was absolutely the same - was less cliffhanger-like. Actually, there wasn't even a cliffhanger, but that's because it was VERY different from the book and it all made better sense and all. I wonder what you would think of it, if you watch the movie. ^^ Great review!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoyed the movie so much more Lola, you're completely spot on, it just felt more resolved. From what I've heard, you have to wait until book three or four before the series starts to come together, so the next one in the series sounds like it'll leave me with more questions than answers. Fingers crossed I'm still sane by the end of it.

      Delete
  15. I actually still haven't read the Giver and although I saw the movie and vowed to read it right after I was never intrigued enough to actually pick it up. I've heard a lot of mixed things about this one and although I know it is a classic, I am not good with open endings and book without strong world building. So I don't know if this one's for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not all that fond of open endings where the reader interprets what's happened. I need something more finale, or a cliffhanger that's explained in the next book. Which apparently book two doesn't address. The movie was much better Lily. I'd be interested to see you compare the two.

      Delete
  16. I've heard about the book and most people do have mixed feelings about it, brilliant review!
    Naomi @The Perks Of Being A Bookworm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Naomi. It was good, but not as great as I'd expected.

      Delete
  17. Kelly, this is so ironic, I just read this book too! My review isn't going to be up for a long time though. The open ending didn't bother me in this I loved how it was open to interpretation. Initially it bothered me but the more I researched the book on the Internet I was really impressed. It's funny because I normally despise open endings. Also, I think it was the third or fourth book in the series that tells you what happened to the characters. Further development would have been really nice, especially if reasons behinds the character's actions could have been fleshed out more. Glad you liked most of it though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, if it had been just that little bit longer, I think it would have allowed more room to develop the characters further. I love hearing that it eventually addresses what happens after the final page, further along in the series. Looking forward to continuing on with these now.

      Delete
  18. I actually loved this book a lot, Kelly! I liked that it was mor philosophical than action, more quiet than anything else. If you didn't like the open ending, I think the rest of the books would give you more of the closure that you seek :D Books 3 and 4 are really, really good; like the first, it leaves you thinking a lot. Hopefully you get to the others books, Kelly! I realized that it's only when you read them all do you see the big picture XD

    Faye at The Social Potato

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy reads with underlying messages and issues that place interpretation back on the reader, but it was just so open ended that it destroyed how much I actually did enjoy this. Of course I'll need to keep reading the rest of the series now, I need that closure. Can't wait to see them all come together.

      Delete
  19. I still have to read this! I absolutely adored the movie and I can tell why you'd be annoyed with the open ending - it does leave off on a very big cliffhanger of sort doesn't it? At least there's three more books and you don't have to wait to continue on. I think back then with dystopians, a lot of the focus is definitely on the world building and its themes rather than the characters. I totally understand that, especially when the main idea behind the book is to highlight the flaws of such a society. I'm so glad to see that you liked it overall though, I hope you continue it and I really need to get a start on with the series as well heh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The movie handled it much, much better though, where the book was frustrating and felt completely unresolved. I wanted to read the book first and glad I did, seeing how much I really enjoyed the film. Now that you've seen the movie, will you be starting the series any time soon? It's still well worth the read.

      Delete
  20. The ending's openendedness is actually resolved in the future books! I loved the imaginative setting, and the amazing meaning behind it all. It's my favorite out of the whole series. I love how she slowly reveals that there's no color or music. None of the others did as well as The Giver did.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad to hear that Shannelle, it makes me more motivated to read the others. I was fascinated by the world building as well, the social and political undertones and the cult like population, it was glorious. I wish it had of been longer and developed more. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together now.

      Delete
  21. Did you read the sequel for this one? There are two other books in the series and they answer your questions. Of course I do kind of agree with you. Even though I enjoyed it, it is not one of my favorites.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't as yet, seeing how it ended it's put me off continuing with the series for now. I did love the film though, I felt it gave me more than the book did and allowed me to connect with the characters. The world building in this is incredible though and I can certainly see how it inspired an entire genre.

      Delete
  22. Fantastic review, as usual. I've been meaning to read this one for a long time now. I just feel like, if I'm decided upon reading YA dystopian, might as well go with the one that started it all. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's actually pretty good Joy, just my personal preference that I need something with a more definitive ending. It wasn't until I read this, that I realised that how many other dystopians have used the same theory as part of their own storylines. It really did kickstart a genre. Looking forward to seeing your take on it.

      Delete
  23. I really want to read this book!It's been in my TBR for so long,and I suddenly have a craving for dystopian novels-a genre I gave up some time back.Maybe I should give this one a try soon.
    Great review btw,Kelley!

    ReplyDelete
  24. It was only when I taught this (for a couple of years running to yr 8 English classes) that I really appreciated it. I wasn't happy with the ending either, and wanted a proper resolution, but studying the novel in depth gave me a new appreciation for it.

    Matched, Delirium, and Divergent all owe quite a debt to The Giver.

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.