Friday, April 22, 2011

Review: Never Let Me Go

Title Never Let Me Go
By Kazuo Ishiguro
For Fun
Source I own it





Synopsis
Kathy reminisces about her life and her friends as they grew up at a school in the English country side. Living sheltered, content lives despite the underlying secret of their real reason for existence.

General thoughts
I thought if I gave myself some time I'd be able to form a better opinion of this book but it doesn't seem to be helping so I'll try. First of all I was confused why most of the book seemed to focus on the mystery of the characters existence when, truthfully, there was no mystery. They knew where their lives were headed, they knew what would happen to them, and they didn't seem to care! Were we supposed to be seeing some deep symbolism or have some great revelation about all this? Because if we were, the author's choice for a reminiscent protagonist who sounds like a confused old lady probably wasn't the best way to do it.

Characters
Kathy was likable enough, even though she sometimes sounded like an old lady rather than a 31 year old. Tommy was probably my favorite because he was the most amiable and yet had all those angry episodes as a child. That made him interesting in my mind. Ruth...grrrr! I know what made her the way she was; I know people exactly like her and they're like her for the exact same reason, well besides the whole clone donor thing, but they're the most frustrating type of people. Heaven forbid they should ever look stupid or not have their self esteem validated on a minute to minute basis!

Would I recommend it?
Yes, if for no other reason, then to see if someone can explain it to me! However, there was a lot of talk about sex so if you're squeamish about that then maybe you shouldn't read this one.

Other opinions  
Everyday Reading
Bluestocking Society
Worlds Strongest Librarian 

7 comments:

  1. Wasn't this one made into a movie? Have you seen that?

    I've only read REMAINS OF THE DAY by this author. I really liked it, but have never felt an urgency to read more. Should I? LOL

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  2. Great review! Happy I found your blog. :)

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  3. Kay, Yeah, and even though I wasn't overly fond of the book I do want to see the movie. Maybe it will make more sense.

    Brodi, OMG! I've been religiously following your blog for months! I'm honored you would look at mine. Thanks!

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  4. Hm... I think I'm not going to be picking this one up. Good to know I don't add EVERYTHING other people blog about to my list :)

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  5. I've officially decided, this is NOT the one I read already, I read the OTHER one! :)

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  6. I absolutely loved Remains of the Day, but from everything I've read about this one, I'm convinced its not for me!

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  7. Mellisa, Yeah it wasn't great but maybe if you do read it you can explain it to me.

    Suey, Good to know. I'm always doing that; getting books mixed up in my mind.

    Bookgirl, Everyone keeps saying that. I should probably read Remains of the Day to redeem the author in my eyes.

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