I know that many Americans (and maybe others!) read this book in school but I somehow missed that phase. I think we might have read one of Lowry’s other books, maybe Number the Stars, instead.

In the first book, you are presented with a dystopian/utopian world that emphasizes “sameness.” The members of the society do not feel pain, sorrow, or have knowledge of any memories––that is the job of the Receiver of Memory. When Jonas, the protagonist, is selected to become the next Receiver, he begins to learn that things are not always as they seem in his community.

The book is written for young readers, and as a result is fast-paced, not always dwelling on details. As an adult reading the book, I would have liked to spend a little more time in the Community, fleshing out some of the characters and events. However, it does grapple with complicated themes. I’d be curious to know, too, how well younger readers understand the allegory. It is a clever story and I enjoyed the concept that Lowry presented. I look forward to reading the next book in the Quartet!