Messenger is book three of The Giver trilogy by Lois Lowry, but it stands on its own. You do not need to read the other two books to enjoy this one. The four main characters repeat from The Giver and Gathering Blue but the actions, plot and setting are unique.
I had not heard of Lois Lowry until I browsed our local library’s E book selection of science fiction and fantasy. Her books were always checked out. That intrigued me so I placed a hold and read them in the order they arrived, not the order of the plot sequence. In fact I read Messenger second.
Messenger is listed under teen or older teen but the concepts and characters resonate with adults. The main character, Matt, has a unique talent to travel the dangerous Forest and at the beginning of the story, he finds another unique talent, the ability to heal. Healing frightens Matt and drains him and he keeps it secret.
Matt’s small village has recently begun a new type of Trading, where people are no longer trading things for other things, but trading part of themselves. This is not stated, but instead is obvious to the reader through Matt”s eyes. Village, formerly open and welcoming to all, decides to close itself off from other refugees and the Forest becomes darker, more sinister and dangerous.
Messenger is the story of Matt’s last journey to the outside world, his friendship and love for Seer and Kira, and the timely intervention of Leader. I didn’t find Messenger as unsettling as the first book, The Giver, but it has stayed in my mind and I expect I will remember this one for a long, long time.
Messenger is available from Amazon I got this from the Southwest Michigan Digital Library, a consortium of small area libraries. You are likely to find Messenger in your local library or E library.
Amazon links pay commissions to blog owner.
Leave a Reply