Undoubtedly, this novel stands as Ishiguro’s magnum opus (at least in the eyes of many readers). Never Let Me Go is a melancholic tale that seeks to explore our worth as living beings.
Following Kathy, one of many orphans at a strange boarding school called Hailsham, Ishiguro details the life of our narrator from infancy to full-blown adulthood. Much of the story is told in retrospect, focused on Kathy’s life and her friends, as well as the choices and mistakes they made along the way. Ultimately, up to the point where their relationships come to a close, in various slow, depressing ways.
This manner of conveying the story is profoundly impactful and allows for Ishiguro to control the amount of knowledge the audience has at any given time. As a reader, you can always feel like there is more to be known about Kathy’s life, as well as the experiences her friends have been through. Because of this, Never Let Me Go will always be a spectacle during the first read through, and can never be enjoyed to the same degree afterwards. However, it is still fun to theorise about all the unmentioned parts of Kathy’s life.
I refuse to spoil the main themes of the book. Ishiguro creates a depressing, yet believable, dystopian rendition of Britain — I could definitely see the UK doing something as morally grey as is outlined in this story. The novel is full of fantastical elements, ones so well grounded that the book simply sucks you in and immerses you wholly within its story. It’s incredibly powerful in this regard.
Never Let Me Go will always remain an influential, quiet, and tragic masterpiece. Flecks of romance and humanity stir up so much emotion for us readers, but it is Ishiguro’s restraint from overdoing it that makes each aspect and character so memorable. I can’t recommend it enough, and whilst it is not my favourite book of his, it’s probably on the podium.
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