Title: Never Let Me Go
Author: Kazuo Ishiguro
Date/year published: 2005
Genre: Dystopian Fiction, science fiction, literary
Format: e-pub, borrowed through Libby App and read on Kindle
Why did I choose to read it: Listed on Esquire Magazine’s 50 Best Sci-Fi Books, it’s part of a reading challenge in which I participate on StoryGraph. Also, the description on Libby caught my attention.
Synopsis: Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy went to an exclusive boarding school together. School had weird rules, ever-changing cliches, and teachers, called Guardians, who constantly told the students they were special. As young adults, the three friends reunite and Kathy looks back at their shared upbringing, and what “being special” really means.
Thoughts:
This is the second book by Ishiguro I’ve read (“Klara and the Sun”). Ishiguro is very good at creating mystery by assuming the reader fully understands the world in which they’ve found themselves. Think of it as reading about an alternative reality where the reader must identify the difference(s) while the MC (main character) is learning about a key part of their world.
Unfortunately, I quickly knew what made the children “special” and then lost interest in the unique writing style. The story felt choppy – as was intended as the MC tried to piece her childhood memories together.
I can see why this is often listed as a good starting point for those interested in reading more of Ishiguro’s large catalog. A few weeks later, I read a third book by Ishiguro, and of the three, “Never Let Me Go” was the easiest of the three to follow. Perhaps because everyone can relate to childhood memories and friends and the overarching theme of identity.
Like many books on “best of lists”, I’m arriving late to the party. Meaning, I’m reading it almost 20 years after its publication, which may also affect my views. Especially since (spoiler!!) cloning has become common place in science fiction and is regularly in the news.
Would I re-read or recommend it?
Reread: Probably not. I’m glad I read it. I can see why he’s a highly regarded and awarded writer. His use of language and world building is amazing, but it’s not my style of choice. I can’t quite pinpoint why, however, so like our food choices, my reading tastes could change over time.
Recommend: Depends on the reader. I realize that’s a wishy-washy answer, but I can imagine some of my reader friends getting bored with it and others speed reading through it.
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