I first read The Giver when I was 13, as a school assignment. I always remembered bits and pieces of it, but it didn't resonate much for me. At the time I'm sure I would have been annoyed at the indefinite ending.

I've read it a couple of times since then, and I think this last read is where it all really clicked. The core themes about individuality, about the importance of history and emotion and family, about taking a moral stand, they all are things I've always seen. But this time it really clicked that the community wasn't wholly wrong. It's practically a utopia. But it certainly has it's ethical issues, and it's not the sort of utopia many in today's world would strive for. The people in the community live content lives—just content, and that contentedness comes at great cost. 

Jonah and the Giver don't think the cost is worthwhile. I, and I imagine most people, are inclined to agree. But aren't the December ceremonies a lovely tradition? Isn't there a comfort in knowing your job will satisfy, your partner will match you well, your children will grow up safely? 

We see the darkness underpinning this society, but we also see a community that, once upon a time, and probably many times over the generations, chose comfort over freedom. It's a natural choice to make, and this book simply highlights too dark of a moral grey.