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102 pages 3 hours read

Son

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Lois Lowry

Son

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dystopian Community • Future

Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Son by Lois Lowry concludes The Giver Quartet, detailing Claire's quest to reunite with her son who was taken from her. Claire’s journey unfolds over three sections—"Before," "Between," and "Beyond"—over fifteen years, as she transitions from a controlled, dystopian society to fantastical and simpler worlds, driven by her maternal love and sacrifice, ultimately leading to a battle against a malignant force.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Mysterious

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

113,546 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lois Lowry's Son captivates with its immersive prose and complex characters, concluding The Giver Quartet with emotional depth and resolution. While praised for its philosophical themes and intricate world-building, some critics note a slower pace and predictability in plot. Overall, it is a thought-provoking finale that resonates with fans of the series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Son?

Readers who enjoy imaginative dystopian narratives like The Giver by Lois Lowry or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins will be captivated by Son by Lois Lowry. This book appeals to young adults and adults who appreciate intricate world-building, deep emotional journeys, and themes of resilience and redemption.

4.3

113,546 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Claire

The protagonist, with red-gold hair and gold-flecked eyes, begins her journey as a youthful Birthmother in a tightly controlled society, navigating an emotional and physical quest to reclaim her son, Gabe.

The son of Claire, he is identified by his curly hair and is initially perceived as troublesome by the community. He later becomes integral to the narrative as he exhibits unique abilities tied to empathy and growth.

Once the protagonist of the preceding novel, he appears here as an influential secondary character, serving as a nurturing and wise leader who mentors Gabe in their new community.

An elderly midwife and healer in the village where Claire arrives, she assumes a maternal role for Claire, teaching her life skills and offering emotional support.

A young, strong man from the village with a troubled past involving family abuse, who forms a deep bond with Claire, helping her on her journey.

An enigmatic antagonist whose role involves offering trades that tempt characters, symbolizing a pervasive evil within the story's landscape.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dystopian Community • Future

Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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