My initial response to The Giver

When I first started reading the book, I thought it was very simple and direct because Lois Lowry had used pretty easy, elementary English. However, as I progressed I realized that she was dealing with rather deep, complicated themes. She has balanced the themes of freedom and security to let the reader grapple with his own thoughts.







The start of the book is very important as it provides the reader with his first impression of it. Whether or not the reader wants to continue reading the book depends on the introduction. As for me, I felt The Giver was started in a very interesting way that urges the reader to continue reading it. From the very start itself, this book hints to the reader that this story is taking place in a world very different from ours. As the story progresses, the community's perfect and organised ways make us realise it has a Utopian atmosphere.






My favourite character is indeed the Giver. I like his wisdom, patience, restraint and quietness, which make him an excellent teacher and mentor. I like the fact that he has the power to endure the loneliness and physical and mental pain that he has to undergo in the course of his training. As for Jonas, the first impression I got of him is that he is very thoughtful and precise. This is seen at the start of the novel, where he ponders about the right word to use to express his feelings.






My favourite part of the story when The Giver shared about Rosemary and revealed that she was his very own daughter. It was very touching and there was an air of suspense hovering above me as I read it.


However, the ending did not impress me that much for it was rather vague and left the reader to interpret what would happen next. I was pretty eager to know the sequential events, and was rather disappointed and confused in not being able to know it. However, though a cliff-hanger was not at all what I had anticipated, I do like the fact that it was like a mystery ending which allows the reader's imagination to run wild.






This book has taught me a good lesson as well. I have learnt to honour and admire my world and life for what they are. It has inculcated many good values in me, such as expressing appreciation and satisfaction for all things in life. All in all, The Giver was a simply fabulous book which is sure to hold the readers tingling with anticipation till the very end, or perhaps, like in my case, even after that. :)