I first came across this book when I was teaching at a school in Saskatchewan. I was subbing and it
was time for quiet reading, so I took up the book lying on the teacher's desk and got lost in Lois Lowry's riveting novel. I later learned that Gathering Blue fits into Lowry's Giver series, but while there are overlapping circumstances and characters, each book can be read and enjoyed on its own.
Gathering Blue begins with the death of Kira's mother, Katrina. Kira sits for four days in the Field of Leaving until her mother's spirit departs. Then she must return to her noisy, crowded village where the small cott she and her mother shared has been burned to the ground to fight the spread of illness. Not only that, but Vandara, a cruel and rough neighbour, demands Kira forfeit her land and leave the village. Kira was born with a twisted leg, which usually leads to abandonment, but Kira's mother fought for her life. Kira uses her wit to survive a near-stoning and demands Vandara bring her petition before the Council of Guardians.
I loved the way this dystopian novel feels like it could be set in the past. Rather than focusing on amazing technologies that replace humans, Lowry imagines a reversion to a hunting and gathering existence. Kira and the other characters described in this novel are simple, yet fully developed. I also adored the detail Lowry used to describe Kira's special gift in sewing, weaving and dying fabric. Lowry writes a satisfying ending which ties the novel to The Giver, Messenger and Son.
I reread this book with the intent on studying Lowry's use of language and description, but was soon too wrapped up in the story. I think this is an incredible feat, especially when I already knew the ending. Twice this week, reviewers of my writing said I write for in a Young Adult style. At first, this was disheartening. Then, I remembered Gathering Blue and decided writing for young adults is an honour. Books I read at this time of life are the ones I remember most and had the most impact on the rest of my life. I highly recommend Gathering Blue to any reader, Young Adult or otherwise.
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| wikipedia |
Gathering Blue begins with the death of Kira's mother, Katrina. Kira sits for four days in the Field of Leaving until her mother's spirit departs. Then she must return to her noisy, crowded village where the small cott she and her mother shared has been burned to the ground to fight the spread of illness. Not only that, but Vandara, a cruel and rough neighbour, demands Kira forfeit her land and leave the village. Kira was born with a twisted leg, which usually leads to abandonment, but Kira's mother fought for her life. Kira uses her wit to survive a near-stoning and demands Vandara bring her petition before the Council of Guardians.
I loved the way this dystopian novel feels like it could be set in the past. Rather than focusing on amazing technologies that replace humans, Lowry imagines a reversion to a hunting and gathering existence. Kira and the other characters described in this novel are simple, yet fully developed. I also adored the detail Lowry used to describe Kira's special gift in sewing, weaving and dying fabric. Lowry writes a satisfying ending which ties the novel to The Giver, Messenger and Son.
I reread this book with the intent on studying Lowry's use of language and description, but was soon too wrapped up in the story. I think this is an incredible feat, especially when I already knew the ending. Twice this week, reviewers of my writing said I write for in a Young Adult style. At first, this was disheartening. Then, I remembered Gathering Blue and decided writing for young adults is an honour. Books I read at this time of life are the ones I remember most and had the most impact on the rest of my life. I highly recommend Gathering Blue to any reader, Young Adult or otherwise.
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