In the world where Jonas lives, there is no severe pain, no hunger, no wars. And there are still no independent decisions: a suitable profession, husband or wife, and even children are chosen for each member of the commune. Jonas is worried, because very soon his future occupation will be announced. What will he become? Will his assigned profession turn out to be to his liking? But, as it turns out, the Elders have assigned a special role to Jonas. He becomes the next Receiver of Memories. The boy meets an old man who retains the memory of the real world, and Jonas' life is turned upside down...