The Giver by Lois Lowry

I’m not quite sure why I haven’t read the Giver before now. And I’m not quite sure why I really wanted to read it now. Someone recommended it, but I can’t remember who.

Thank you, anyway.

The Giver is dystopian fiction. Without guns. Without violence. The main character is 12 (looking at the film publicity that appears to have been changed slightly) and it’s a very low key story, based mostly around the relationship within a family unit, and between a mentor and a child.

It’s beautifully put together. There’s a sense of foreboding from the very first page, but it’s oh so gentle. Mild. Safe.

Safety is important in the Giver’s world. Sameness. Security. Routine.

There is no pain. Everyone is open about their feelings. They are required to be open about their feelings. About their dreams. Everyone is precise with their language usage. Everyone has fun.

What could possibly be wrong with that?

I highly recommend you read it. If you like dystopia, although it’s somehow not very dystopian. If you like fiction that raises questions, that worms its way into your head, that stays with you long after the last page is finished, this is a book you will value.

And please, from what I’ve seen of the film, read the book first.

So, that’s what I’ve been reading this week. It was blissful actually – I’d ordered it from the library, but when I went to pick it up, my card wasn’t working, so instead of bringing it home, I sat in a comfy chair in the library and read it there in peace and quiet. Then went back today to finish it.

I might have to try that again. Or perhaps I’ll start taking the massive unwieldy TBR pile out to a cafe. Or the library 😉 (Would that be weird?)

If you’ve something to share of what you’ve been reading, I’d love to hear it. There’s a badge if you want it too over on the Read 52 page. (Which is desperately in need of updating. Sorry.)

If you enjoyed The Giver, you might like The Chrysalids or A Wrinkle in Time.