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After finishing Son, I decided to continue exploring Lois Lowry’s The Giver series, this time moving backwards with the third book a couple months later, Messenger. I had actually owned the book for a while, sitting on my shelf with the rest, but never picked it up. It’s a small, almost pamphlet-sized story, so I thought, “Why not? Even if I don’t like it, I’ll be done with it quickly.”
What surprised me was just how much I ended up liking it.
A Simple but Powerful Story
Messenger is short and sweet, but it carries a lot of heart. The story follows Matty, who we’ve met before as a mischievous boy but now see growing into someone kind, empathetic, and searching for understanding. He sets out on a journey to bring Kira back before it’s too late, while also uncovering the threat facing Village, and most importantly, discovering the depth of his own gift.
The book’s innocence in storytelling reminded me of the earlier novels in the series, but there’s also a deeper emotional weight here. It may be short, but it leaves a mark.
Matty’s Journey and the Bittersweet Ending
What struck me most was Matty himself. He’s easily my favorite character from the series. Watching his growth from mischievous to selfless felt both natural and moving.
The ending, though, hit hard. It’s bittersweet in the purest sense, hopeful and heartbreaking all at once. When I understood the true meaning of Matty’s name, I’ll admit, I cried. It’s one of those quiet, powerful moments that stays with you long after you close the book.
My Honest Take
Because Messenger is so short, it feels almost like an interlude in the series, and I think that makes it even more special. It doesn’t require you to have read the other books in order, which makes it a great standalone read as well.
I’d rate it an 8/10. It’s one of the few books I’d actually consider rereading, which says a lot for me. If you’re looking for something short, impactful, and easy to read, this is a book I’d definitely recommend.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the smallest stories can carry the biggest emotions. Messenger is exactly that. It may not be a grand epic, but it’s a quiet, heartfelt story about growth, sacrifice, and identity, and it left me more moved than I expected.