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Tatiana's Reviews > Never Let Me Go
Never Let Me Go
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Let me start by saying that my review might contain some plot spoilers. However I personally don't think that knowing the plot in advance will in any way diminish the enjoyment of this story. The beauty of this book is not in the plot, but in its execution.
Another friendly warning: Never Let Me Go is for some reason often classified as science fiction. This is why so many readers end up disappointed I think. This novel is literary fiction at its finest. So if you look down on literary fiction and consider books written by authors like Ian McEwan, Margaret Atwood, and Jose Saramago pretentious, this is not a story for you.
Now to the novel itself. Kathy, now 31, is a former student of an English boarding school Hailsham. Hailsham is a school for kids with special purpose. All education in this school is geared towards conditioning its student to accept their "special" destiny as a given. As Kathy is getting ready to make her first donation while being a carer for other donors, she recounts her life in Hailsham and on her own, mostly in a form of anecdotes about herself and her best friends Ruth and Tommy, their rivalries, jealousies, and affection for each other. There is nothing particularly shocking, gruesome, or intense about Kathy's story, and yet it leaves you with a sense of being a part of a nightmare.
After reading quite a few reviews of the book, I can say that I loved the aspects of it that many abhorred. What other readers say about Kathy - her detachment, her lack of fire and rebellion, about broke my heart. What can be more heartbreaking than witnessing human lives wasted? Let me tell you - witnessing lives taken away from people who do not even realize what is being taken away from them, people who do not understand the value of their existence, people who do not know they have a right for more.
There is of course, much more to the story. The novel explores the futility of human life, its un-bargainable eventual "completion" and how we all choose to deal with the inevitable end. But for me personally the pain of Kathy's quiet resignation to her fate was what stood out and touched me the most.
In many ways Never Let Me Go reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Only Kathy is a step further from Offred. If Offred knows what horrors she is subjected to, but has no strength or will to change her circumstances, Kathy doesn't even know that her life "purpose," her destiny is inhumane. This work is also, to me, very reminiscent of Ian McEwan's Atonement. McEwan is a master of subtle build-up to an almost unbearable, life-shattering moment, but Ishiguro is a master of subtle telling without telling, foreshadowing, and emphasizing the gravity of the unsaid.
What else can I say about this novel? Never Let Me Go is a masterfully written work of fiction which raises questions of what it is to be human, what you choose to do in the face of an impending death and what happens when science is not accompanied by ethics. Subtle, eerie, chilling, and poignant. One of the best books I have read this year.
Another friendly warning: Never Let Me Go is for some reason often classified as science fiction. This is why so many readers end up disappointed I think. This novel is literary fiction at its finest. So if you look down on literary fiction and consider books written by authors like Ian McEwan, Margaret Atwood, and Jose Saramago pretentious, this is not a story for you.
Now to the novel itself. Kathy, now 31, is a former student of an English boarding school Hailsham. Hailsham is a school for kids with special purpose. All education in this school is geared towards conditioning its student to accept their "special" destiny as a given. As Kathy is getting ready to make her first donation while being a carer for other donors, she recounts her life in Hailsham and on her own, mostly in a form of anecdotes about herself and her best friends Ruth and Tommy, their rivalries, jealousies, and affection for each other. There is nothing particularly shocking, gruesome, or intense about Kathy's story, and yet it leaves you with a sense of being a part of a nightmare.
After reading quite a few reviews of the book, I can say that I loved the aspects of it that many abhorred. What other readers say about Kathy - her detachment, her lack of fire and rebellion, about broke my heart. What can be more heartbreaking than witnessing human lives wasted? Let me tell you - witnessing lives taken away from people who do not even realize what is being taken away from them, people who do not understand the value of their existence, people who do not know they have a right for more.
There is of course, much more to the story. The novel explores the futility of human life, its un-bargainable eventual "completion" and how we all choose to deal with the inevitable end. But for me personally the pain of Kathy's quiet resignation to her fate was what stood out and touched me the most.
In many ways Never Let Me Go reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Only Kathy is a step further from Offred. If Offred knows what horrors she is subjected to, but has no strength or will to change her circumstances, Kathy doesn't even know that her life "purpose," her destiny is inhumane. This work is also, to me, very reminiscent of Ian McEwan's Atonement. McEwan is a master of subtle build-up to an almost unbearable, life-shattering moment, but Ishiguro is a master of subtle telling without telling, foreshadowing, and emphasizing the gravity of the unsaid.
What else can I say about this novel? Never Let Me Go is a masterfully written work of fiction which raises questions of what it is to be human, what you choose to do in the face of an impending death and what happens when science is not accompanied by ethics. Subtle, eerie, chilling, and poignant. One of the best books I have read this year.
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Reading Progress
September 18, 2009
– Shelved
August 12, 2010
–
Started Reading
August 15, 2010
– Shelved as:
1001
August 15, 2010
– Shelved as:
2010
August 15, 2010
– Shelved as:
contemporary
August 15, 2010
– Shelved as:
dystopias-post-apocalyptic
August 15, 2010
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 57 (57 new)
Picked it up just the other day. I really like his other work.
I'll be waiting for both your opinions and hope you like it as much as I did. The movie adaptation is coming out soon too.
I'd never heard of it before til I saw the clip for the movie. Keira Knightley?
Yes. Her. I actually managed to have a cry just watching the movie's 2-minute trailer.
This gave me the extra motivation I needed to read this. So, thanks for the positive review! ;D
I loved this book. So many reviewers disliked the book, your review hit all the points of why I loved it.
Excellent review, Tatiana. I am going to move this up on the TBR list. Thanks.
Thanks Stephen. As far as literary sci-fi goes, this is one of my favorite books. But as it often happens to me, not many share my love. Hope you like it:)
Tiah wrote: ""Literary fiction at it's finest"? Not by a long shot. Every single fiction book sitting on my bookshelves is better than this novel, and that includes "Wuthering Heights", which I don't even like..."
A great day to you too, Tiah. Nothing brightens mine up like a hateful rant over a book review from a person I don't know.
Tatiana wrote: "A great day to you too, Tiah. Nothing lightens mine up like a hateful rant from a person I don't know. ..."
This is what I like so much about you! In my head I said plenty about her post but you handled it perfectly!
Wow. We all have different opinions about books, but there's no reason to come onto someone's review and leave such a negative comment. There's a way to start a thoughtful conversation that does not insult the person you're talking to, and they do not include saying things like "Good grief, what possessed you to write that?" or asking if she's ever heard of Leo Tolstoy.By the way, I take great satisfaction in seeing that Tatiana's "Literary fiction at its finest" remark is actually written out correctly in her review.
Moorchild wrote: "Strange, you rarely see this sort of thing happen on a 5-star review..."That I agree, Ashley. Rarely, but it does happen, unfortunately.
Tiah wrote: "Ah, I see you don't understand literary criticism, good day to you as well. I'm sorry you have mistaken a critique of a book as a personal attack. "Hateful rant"? Hardly, about as much as this boo..."Sorry, Tiah, you are the one who has no idea what literary criticism is. Anyone can tell you that remarks like Good grief, what possessed you to write that? Or maybe you have heard of this guy called Leo Tolstoy? isn't it.
Tiah wrote: "Ah, I see you don't understand literary criticism, good day to you as well. I'm sorry you have mistaken a critique of a book as a personal attack...."Isn't it a personal attack when you state, "Good grief what posessed you to write that"? Simply stating that this book is "boring and trite" then pointing out authors you do like to Tatiana isn't literary criticism. It's more critical of this review than anything else.
Tiah wrote: "I thought this book was uninspiring from it's first sentence...."I will not saying anything. I'm so bad at sounding witty, and intelligent in my replies but if I could sound witty and intelligent, I would be saying something about this line! LOL
I do have self control. I do. I do. I do!
And now she's outta here! Sheesh ;)
Yep, and deleted her comments. Well, another day, another overzealous reader...
On the plus side, it shows that people are still passionate about reading. Or off their meds, lol
Sigh. I deleted my comments because it was clear you had no interest in actually accepting the fact that I felt your comment was overkill (the comment in your review). I have no interest in fencing with your buddies, whom inexplicably felt the need to "defend" you, and weren't commenting on the novel. I believe I do know a thing or two about literary criticism, having read quite a few books in my day(all shapes, all sorts!)and having had several years worth of college classes that train me, in fact, to be able to respond to people in an environment where nobody takes it personally when you say you disagree with their statement on a certain work.
To reiterate my own review, people would be far better off reading "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" if they actually wanted a stimulating novel centered on the idea of clones and the ethics that surround such a topic.
Tiah wrote: "I believe I do know a thing or two about literary criticism, having read quite a few books in my day(all shapes, all sorts!)and having had several years worth of college classes that train me..."You are very lucky. I have a Juris Doctorate but I still spell worth shit, hate to write, and read crap like
Never Let Me Go & think it is a wonderful book. I clearly went for the wrong "training". I should go back for another 9 years of college. NOT!
Tiah wrote: "Sigh. I deleted my comments because it was clear you had no interest in actually accepting the fact that I felt your comment was overkill (the comment in your review). I have no interest in fencing..."Whatever, Tiah, whatever. I do not think there is a need for us to throw our degrees around. You have yours, I have mine.
The bottom line is, if next time you feel like having an intelligent discussion with anyone, start by being polite. Otherwise nobody will take you seriously.
Tatiana great review. Knowing it is literary fiction has made me bump this up on my list.
I'm really looking forward to reading this novel, and your review made me even more intriuged. Since there's so many different ratings on this, I'd like to ask you, why do you think there are so many bad reviews? Is the writing style hard to get into, or is the plot too "depressing" for some people, ect?
In many ways Never Let Me Go reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. I was rather reminded of Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. In fact, I had to consciously stop myself from comparing the two and dampening my reading experience. I get what you mean about Offred though.
Excellent review btw!
Thank you.This is one of my most favorite books. Very affecting and scary.
I was about to put this down forever... Not understanding the hype till you termed it "subtle buildup"... Then the penny drop. I'll keep cracking at it. Thanks for the informative review
Terry wrote: "I was about to put this down forever... Not understanding the hype till you termed it "subtle buildup"... Then the penny drop. I'll keep cracking at it. Thanks for the informative review"Terry, I've seen many people for whom this novel didn't work, so I can't guarantee it will have the same effect on you as it did on me. But I hope it does.
Just finished it a few hours ago. Your review definitely sums up my feelings.
I am impressed with your insight on so many of your reviews. I am an undereducated reader who some times gets it but this book annoyed the heck out of me and I almost put it on my Did Not Finish shelf. I do enjoy and will continue to enjoy your reviews:)
i'm downloading this right now. after your review, i can't wait to read it.
Fabulous review. I was reading the reviews for more insight on the book, and yours is the one that resonated the most. I loved it too, in that it moved me very deeply.
Great review. I didn't love it as much as you did, but concede to many of your points - the writing is beautiful and it certainly raises some intriguing questions. For some reason I just can not get swept up by Ishiguro in the way that I would like or would have expected.
Thank you for your review, this book was the reason I start looking for it's reviews and come to this site :)
It reminded me of The Handsmade's Tale too!
Great review! Nice comparison to the other two books. I agree with you on Kathy.
This is a PERFECT review of this book, I just finished it. Couldn't agree more on being a mix of Handmaid's Tale and Atonement.
Great review. I've read it also and think you've nailed it.
great review! love the review...and the comments drama!
Completely agree, Tatiana. I would say, also, that the resignation of these poor, disenfranchised characters is allegorical to today's second-class-citizens. The feeling of pre-destiny � of not being an agent in your own life is incredibly heartbreaking. Even though Kathy and Tommy try to save themselves through deferrals, the thought of escape doesn't even cross their minds as it does ours. They're so stuck (especially Kathy, who makes genuine connections with people before witnessing their lives cut short) in this complex of obvious acceptance, they can't grasp the horror of their existence and the way out. The same way that in our nightmares the context of our impending doom feels like we've known it for years before, and that's just the way it goes, this tragic feeling of rage and then resignation mirrors the life of an immigrant or a slave in heartbreaking ways. Tommy began as a character so innately perceptive and offended that, (for his own social sake) he turned down his outbursts so much that the feeling of rebellion completely disappeared. Yes, he stayed a questioner and truly curious, and he even made an honest attempt to avoid his fate through the system, but Tommy never tries to leave the prism of his life and his world through escape� the rules feel so obvious and unchangeable it doesn't even make sense to consider breaking them. Tommy is the heart of Never Let Me Go. He's truly profound and deep-thinking, but ultimately contented with his place in the world. A heartbreaking book, but a deeply impactful one. Thanks. everyone, for their thoughts! After all, the "inside of our souls" are what make us valuable after all.
I was young when I first read this book, but it's impact would have been deeply diminished if I had known the plot first. The shock of the children's reality really helped drive home the key messages Ishiguro was writing
Loved your review. I couldn't give this book more than 2 stars. I also had an issue with the passivity of the characters. You summed it up better than me, but what you wrote here:...her detachment, her lack of fire and rebellion, about broke my heart. What can be more heartbreaking than witnessing human lives wasted? Let me tell you - witnessing lives taken away from people who do not even realize what is being taken away from them, people who do not understand the value of their existence, people who do not know they have a right for more.
YES! That's what tore at me but I didn't think that came through enough in the story. Their placement in their universe, maybe I needed to see more. Except for a few teachers that wanted better for them, where was the rest of the world that allowed this? Even in our world PETA will break into a lab or infiltrate a farm to expose inhumane treatment. Other groups exposing the abuse of child labor, etc...
It's fair that the author just wanted to show these characters all alone with no one to help them. But then I just wondered the point? Though I could add, maybe it's just a warning to us on the way we use people now and maybe in the future.
Thank you I agree.
I fully agree with you. It gave me sleepless nights after finishing reading. Kathy, Ruth and Tommy linger in my mind till now. It is a literary classic.
Great review! I've almost completed it, and your review made me look at it differently. The reason I say differently is because I nearly DNF'd it but persevered, and it's actually grown on me. The writing is sublime, and the story has grown on me. It's subtle dark undertones and it's focus on the characters themselves have made me consider it to be worthy of five stars on completion. It's my first time reading Ishiguro and unlikely to be my last. The Handmaid's Tale is one of my favourite books so the comparison is not lost.
Could not agree more with your review
Your commentary on Ishiguro being “a master of subtle telling without telling, foreshadowing, and emphasizing the gravity of the unsaid� was summed up beautifully. This immediately reminded me of Chapter 7 where Miss Lucy tells the students they’ve been “told and not told� who they are and what their future holds. With each chapter, it felt as if the reader was in the shoes of the students in real time. Until the last 50ish pages, the reader is shielded from the truth of the world outside of Hailsham and the ultimate objectives of those in charge at this exclusive school. Ishiguro drops almost inconsequential hints throughout the main character’s anecdotes, barely delivering any meaningful information to shape the plot but just enough to keep you tearing through to find the truth to questions the main characters are grappling with. All in all, I wanted to love this book more than I did� I’m torn between simultaneously hating and loving this book. I loved Kathy and Ruth’s dynamic. It was captured simply and succinctly, and was so realistically relatable. It was like I could feel Kathy’s irritation during her conflicts with Ruth. However, I wasn’t a fan of the pace of this novel. This was the second Ishiguro novel I’ve read (Klara and the Sun being the first) and I personally preferred that over Never Let Me Go. Perhaps I need to sit with the story and themes of this novel longer to grow appreciation. Nonetheless, I’d definitely give it another read in the future!
Absolutely one of the best novels I've read in the past five years (or any time!). I had not read any Ishiguro, an omission I've since repaired. Read Remains of the Day on the heels of this one, and then Klara and the Sun shortly after it came out. The film version of Never Let Me Go is worth a viewing... very well done adaptation.
Read this book and then your review spring 2024. You wrote�.“Ishiguro is a master of subtle, telling, without telling, foreshadowing, and emphasizing the gravity of the unsaid.”�.so well said and the best description of this reading experience for me.
Sometimes the plot doesn't matter. What matters the most are the things you gain at the end of the book.