A review by leah_alexandra
The Giver by Lois Lowry

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I have come back to this book many times over the twenty-ish years since I first read it. It is a marvel. Even as an adult it still has the power to bring me to tears. This small book blows the many, certainly entertaining, but generally bloated, YA dystopian novels out of the water. Its genius is in its simplicity. This is clearly written for young readers: the language is clear and accessible, and the story is not too complex. But the concepts are challenging. It treats young readers with respect by giving them a story they can read but challenges them to confront difficult and confusing issues they may not have been exposed to before. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings