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Never Let Me Go is not a science fiction novel, despite the nifty sticker my local library placed on the binding. And that, unfortunately, is the only definite thing I can say about it. This book left me feeling so conflicted because as enjoyable as the story was, it was beyond frustrating.

As I’m sure you know, Never Let Me Go is told from the point of view of Kathy, a former student of the private Hailsham school. Kathy’s narrative style is that of a rambling, conversational friend. And her voice is disconnected? …simplistic? …naive? …despondent? …resigned to her fate? Or all of the above? Kathy tells us in a very no nonsense style about her formative years and closest friendships. We are allowed glimpses into her world and her eventual special destiny. But although I was bursting with questions and outrage, Kathy was not. Was this the effect of being a product of her environment? Depression? Accepting her lot in life? That, of course is open to debate, and is the heart of my frustration with this novel.

Of course it can be argued that Kathy was the product of a life without hope, and had come to terms with it in her own way. But what of the others? Surely someone, at some point, must have made a break for it or started an uprising? Anyone? Not that I would expect anyone to succeed (or at least, succeed without great difficulty.) But where was the attempt? The more I learned about Kathy’s world, the more I saw how impossible escape is, but she can’t possibly know that. Nor can the others.

While reading Never Let Me Go, I couldn’t help but think of Unwind. Another very powerful story in a futuristic world that never quite sold me on the horrifying ideas presented in the book. I needed more information. That is the case here. Ishiguro gives us bits and pieces but not enough. It is expected for Kathy to be ignorant of the world around her and the particulars of her situation. But as the reader, I simply wasn’t given enough details to fully buy the concept that was presented.

Even so, with all of my complaints, with figuring out much of the mystery beforehand (thanks to not-so-subtle hints) I was blown away by the ending of this story. I was awake so, so late last night thinking about it, and am still affected by it this morning. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, although I perfectly understand why some people dislike it and the reviews are all over the place! Ishiguro has intrigued me enough with this one that I will for sure read more of his work.