Synopsis: The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver. ISBN 0-440-23768-8. Lois Lowry. 1993. Newberry Medal. Fantasy. Ages 11 +. Secluded Caucasian community.

Synopsis:

With a premise eerily like that of George Orwell’s 1984, The Giver is a fantastical and yet frighteningly realistic telling of a young boy growing up out of place who eventually uncovers knowledge that forever changes his life. In a world where there is no color, no choice, no real independent thought or action, Jonas is chosen to replace the Giver as the Receiver of Memory, the only keeper of record in the community. Blessed and burdened with this task, Jonas sees the world around him shift as he is shown the past through an almost torturous process. The Giver transfers his memories to Jonas by touching his back and connecting with the boy’s mind, the most extraordinary element of the story. In a place where no one is allowed to lie, the town itself turns into a lie once Jonas finds out its secrets. Knowing what he now does, Jonas has to make a decision that will not only save his own life, but the ones he has grown up thinking he knows. Although it is not allowed, Jonas transfers some of the memories to Gabe, the infant his family has taken care of since birth. In the end, the two of them must flee the community to embark what amounts to be a very serious and strenuous journey in order to ultimately save themselves as well as everyone they know.