Reviews with content warning for War - Devējs

Simple enough for children to easily understand, it's more than likely going to be someone's first experience with a dystopian story. Schools having it frequently listed as required reading for English classes ensures that likelihood. For what it is, it's a solid introduction to the concept of a dystopian utopia and the various flaws with trying to make the entire world as perfect and functional as possible.

The book is fairly grounded except when The Giver himself becomes involved. The setting is void of magic or fantasy until suddenly a character is introduced who can share memories through touch. Vivid, impossible memories that the protagonist has no frame of reference to understand. This fantastical concept broke my immersion, however it was necessary for the theme. How else would the main character learn that his society was missing things like fun, or love, or even color? The lengths the book goes to to describe the sameness of everything is ridiculous at times.
Certain aspects of the dystopia don't make logical sense and can only be accepted if you either choose to ignore the problems or don't think much about them to begin with.

The characters are likeable and, while not complex, have noted quirks to make them endearing. At times, the way these child characters are addressed so plainly adds to the horror of the story. When one of them is physically beaten, the protagonist treats the scene as expected and normal. Unfortunate for his friend, but otherwise nothing to be concerned about. He too has grown used to the casual trauma forced upon him and everyone else. This theme dramatically escalates as we realize just how much the community has been desensitized to horrible things.

The unease in those moments is the best quality of the book.

The worst thing, in my opinion, is the ending. Despite spending the entire story building up to the main character's daring escape,

it's left completely ambiguous if he does. He might have gotten away, or he might have died miserably in the snow. That ambiguity may be poetic or intriguing to some readers, but I found it frustrating and disappointing for making me read so much only to leave me with nothing.

An anticlimax if there ever was one.

The ending aside, it is a good book for younger readers. Older readers can still get something from it too, however I think an older audience has easier access to better stories of a similar nature.

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sofias_reading_obsession's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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? Yes

4.75

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poirot's review against another edition

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reflective medium-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? It's complicated

3.25

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annahamburger's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-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

4.5

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abisluce's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I definitely absorbed more or the book’s message the second time reading it (and doing so outside of school). I recommend it to others as well.

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lowcountry_badger's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This came out as I was just aging out of young adult fiction as a teen. So, I’ve had a general awareness of its existence but never read it. Now, my middle school daughter was assigned it, so I gave it a try.

This book is truly remarkable and one of the most thought provoking books I’ve read. Lowery explores themes of existentialism and justice at a level approachable to all. However, she accomplishes this without insulting the reader or being overly dogmatic. In addition, the plot is fast paced and suspenseful.

As a note, I listened to the audiobook performed by Ron Rifkin. His narration of children’s voices is a bit jarring.

Content Warnings

kayaking12's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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eldritchteo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

An absolute must-read. Very introspective, especially in today's society that is so driven by trends and conformity. A book for all ages (though there are some dark themes).

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