Booknotes : Never Let Me Go
Metaphorical story of human and clones, Sad and loss of identity, Thoughtful, Slow, Emotional, Unique, Unclear, Different, Deep
Book Details
🛒 Never Let Me Go | Kinokuniya Malaysia Amazon US Amazon UK
Author : Kazuo Ishiguro
Published in April 2005
288 pages
Lit-fit, Asian Lit, Subtle Sci-Fi/ Dystopian, Adult Fiction
Atmosphere & a gist of thoughts
I’ll be publishing Youtube version of the book reviews soon - Stay tuned
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro is famously known as a haunting, introspective novel that explores the lives of human clones created solely for organ donation. The story is told through the eyes of Kathy H., who reflects on her time growing up at Hailsham, a seemingly like an English boarding school in England. Along with her close friends, Tommy and Ruth, Kathy recalls the innocence of their childhood, the complex dynamics of their relationships, and the unsettling realization of the purpose they were bred for.
This is one book that I taking a lot of time to actually let it simmer in my brain before I was ready to talk about my thoughts around it.
Never Let Me Go
Point of Comparison
Unlike most sci-fi or dystopian stories where characters resist their fate, Never Let Me Go explores a quiet acceptance of a predetermined, tragic destiny.
Focus on Storytelling Style
The story is narrated by Kathy in a conversational tone, almost like she's sharing distant memories. The writing feels intentionally vague, reflecting the confusion and limited understanding each of the characters and their own world.
Reaction to Pacing
The novel starts slow, which can be frustrating. It took me a while to adjust to the style, and I nearly gave up halfway, thinking it was overrated. But by Chapter 18, the writing began to click for me, revealing the depth and subtlety of the story.
World-Building
I struggled with the lack of clarity around how the world works. The characters behave as if you’re familiar with their universe, leaving many details unexplained. This deliberate vagueness adds to the unsettling atmosphere but can be challenging for readers.
Expectations from Genre
If you're looking for typical sci-fi elements like rebellion, world-building, or a dramatic climax, you won’t find it here. Instead, the novel focuses on the characters' emotions and the quiet tragedy of their situation.
Interpretation of Themes
Ishiguro's choice to portray the clones as resigned to their fate emphasizes themes of identity, loss, and the futility of seeking meaning when life’s path is already set. The characters’ quiet acceptance of their purpose highlights how deeply ingrained their lack of control is.
What Frustrates Me The Most
Kathy's storytelling style was a major hurdle for me. She talks as though you're already familiar with her world, making it tough to grasp what’s happening at first. The vagueness might frustrate those who prefer clear, straightforward narratives.
I also wish the characters and plots are discussed with more depth, to enable readers to imagine the world that Kath lives in.
Movie Adaption
A sneak peak into Never Let Me Go (the Movie)
I haven’t watched the movie yet, but I believe the film beautifully captures the essence of the book.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5~closer to 4.0)
A mix of Hermione’s Intelligence and Harry Potter’s Magic ~ I do believe the work is a solid magic! Do I love LOVEEE this book? Not really. But does it deliver what it sets out to do? Absolutely. Despite its challenging style and slow start, it offers a unique perspective and raises thought-provoking questions. I’d rate it 3.5 stars, leaning toward 4, for its originality and the way it challenges the reader.
Here’s how I rate books I read
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