The novel Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry is set in a dystopian future, but the specific year is not explicitly mentioned in the text. The story unfolds in a world that has faced significant hardship and societal breakdown, hinting at a time far removed from our current reality.
What we know is that the setting reflects a society that has regressed in terms of technology and culture, focusing on survival and basic social structures. The characters exist in a world where art and creativity are valued less than productivity and conformity. This suggests a timeline that may be centuries ahead of us, where the remnants of the past civilization are visible, yet the understanding and appreciation of those past values have diminished.
In essence, while an exact year isn’t provided, the themes and environment of Gathering Blue imply a long future beyond our present civilization’s accomplishments and challenges.