The
book I chose to read this six weeks is called “Son” by Lois Lowry. It is a
somewhat dystopian fictional novel with a hint of fantasy and was published in
2012. “Son” is the fourth and final book of “The Giver” series and is an
exciting conclusion to this unique set of books. This
book takes place in a community in the non-specified distant future, and is
about a fourteen-year-old girl named Claire. In this society, a person does not
choose his or her profession, but instead a job is selected by a council that
observes each child carefully and decides what he or she is best suited to do.
Claire is chosen to become a birthmother (a woman who creates offspring for the
community) and eventually she has a child. Unfortunately, during the birth process
something goes wrong (although the baby is born healthy) and Claire is taken
away from the birthplace and sent to work at a fish hatchery. One day her baby
mysteriously disappears along with a boy named Jonas. After this, Claire abandons
her community to go search for her son, having many adventures on the way. A unique feature of this book is that at one
point it focuses on a boy named Gabe (her son) and his role in the story. This
gives a greater perspective and makes the story more interesting. The overall theme of this book is to
keep persevering, because one day, even if the final results are not exactly what
you planned, you will reach your goals.
“Son” is written in the third person, and focuses mainly on Claire. Gabe also plays a major role in the story, and could be considered a second main character, although Claire is overall the primary character. This book also has three distinct sections, which each has its own sub-setting. I particularly like this style of writing because it allows the reader to see multiple characters’ viewpoints rather than that of just one sole character. I believe that the intended audience consists of teenagers and young adults. Although it most likely could be read and thoroughly enjoyed by anyone, many things (especially emotionally-related) happen in this story, which most teenagers and young adults could relate to. This book is a combination of several genres, and it fits in best somewhere between science fiction and fantasy. It also has many aspects of a dystopian novel, which is currently a very popular sub-genre. Throughout the story, there is always an adventure happening, which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The author’s style of writing is very well-done and although the story takes place in a dystopian future with many mishaps, it keeps a light and pleasant tone which gives off the overall feeling of optimism.
There are many things in this book which made me truly very sad. It especially bothered me that Claire could not even keep her own child. The feeling of knowing you have a child but are not allowed to raise it must feel absolutely horrific, and I hope it never happens to me. The society that Claire originally lives in has views that go against many of my beliefs. Some of these views include being able to choose your profession and what you do with your life. Also, in this society you are assigned a family and then after you become an adult you do not see any of your family members again. It is basically like you never knew them in the first place. This is very depressing to me and I would not enjoy living there. I prefer the second and third communities Claire discovers later in the story. These communities are much more free and the people are nicer. Especially the third, where everyone is accepted with open arms. This book is very unique in many ways, although it slightly resembles Veronica Roth’s book “Divergent” (mainly because both main characters struggle to reach their goals in a very dystopian and unforgiving society). Overall, “Son” is not really like any books I have read, except for the other three novels in the “The Giver” series.
I really enjoyed reading “Son,” which I believe is very well written and there is practically nothing I would criticize about this book. I enjoyed its many different perspectives, its multiple sections with different settings, and also the hint of romance it includes about halfway through. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys somewhat depressing dystopian novels, as well as fantasy stories and happy endings.
“Son” is written in the third person, and focuses mainly on Claire. Gabe also plays a major role in the story, and could be considered a second main character, although Claire is overall the primary character. This book also has three distinct sections, which each has its own sub-setting. I particularly like this style of writing because it allows the reader to see multiple characters’ viewpoints rather than that of just one sole character. I believe that the intended audience consists of teenagers and young adults. Although it most likely could be read and thoroughly enjoyed by anyone, many things (especially emotionally-related) happen in this story, which most teenagers and young adults could relate to. This book is a combination of several genres, and it fits in best somewhere between science fiction and fantasy. It also has many aspects of a dystopian novel, which is currently a very popular sub-genre. Throughout the story, there is always an adventure happening, which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The author’s style of writing is very well-done and although the story takes place in a dystopian future with many mishaps, it keeps a light and pleasant tone which gives off the overall feeling of optimism.
There are many things in this book which made me truly very sad. It especially bothered me that Claire could not even keep her own child. The feeling of knowing you have a child but are not allowed to raise it must feel absolutely horrific, and I hope it never happens to me. The society that Claire originally lives in has views that go against many of my beliefs. Some of these views include being able to choose your profession and what you do with your life. Also, in this society you are assigned a family and then after you become an adult you do not see any of your family members again. It is basically like you never knew them in the first place. This is very depressing to me and I would not enjoy living there. I prefer the second and third communities Claire discovers later in the story. These communities are much more free and the people are nicer. Especially the third, where everyone is accepted with open arms. This book is very unique in many ways, although it slightly resembles Veronica Roth’s book “Divergent” (mainly because both main characters struggle to reach their goals in a very dystopian and unforgiving society). Overall, “Son” is not really like any books I have read, except for the other three novels in the “The Giver” series.
I really enjoyed reading “Son,” which I believe is very well written and there is practically nothing I would criticize about this book. I enjoyed its many different perspectives, its multiple sections with different settings, and also the hint of romance it includes about halfway through. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys somewhat depressing dystopian novels, as well as fantasy stories and happy endings.
Rachel Sacks
11/5/13
Rating: *****5/5
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