Scan barcode
sonevoe's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
many people ask "well why wouldn’t they just run away" and for me this is the most important part of the story, poor creatures, they are made to die and nobody regards them as someone worth living, not even the very people who claim to fight for them
beautiful and tragic, all of the characters seemed unlovable and still i was rooting for them
honestly didn’t understand the emphasis on sex…what was it for..
beautiful and tragic, all of the characters seemed unlovable and still i was rooting for them
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infertility, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, and Terminal illness
tinypear's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
"I keep thinking about this river somewhere, with the water moving really fast. And these two people in the water, trying to hold onto each other, holding on as hard as they can, but in the end it's just too much. The current's too strong. They've got to let go, drift apart. That's how it is with us. It's a shame, Kath, because we've loved each other all our lives. But in the end, we can't stay together forever."
Never Let Me Go touches on the finite nature of our lives indirectly by introducing science fiction elements in such a magnificent way. Many parts of this book had me considering the characters' dilemmas, their existentialism, and feeling that sense of existentialism reflected in myself. I loved how this book made me consider the concepts of childhood, being drip-fed information vital to the human condition throughout our education and childhood experiences, growing up into our adult identity with our friends, and facing death all in less than 300 pages. The deeper consideration of the oppression and alienation within this book was especially evident in Part Three, alongside the ending providing a bleak outlook and suggestion of a lack of hope. I also appreciated the discussion around art and the importance of preserving this within the context of the book but also expanding into the wider context.
I found some elements of this book to be too slow for my liking - I felt that the story was really gripping only in Part Three, which only leaves about 80 pages of the story remaining. I also just didn't enjoy the narrative style in this book. I found many parts repetitive, often looping back to 'I need to tell you this...' or 'I should explain this...' and this style was just generally not to my taste. I liked the character- and story-building that Ishiguro was going for, but the writing style in this one just wasn't it for me.
The end is predictable - you can see it coming from a mile off - but it was emotional and captivating nonetheless. I found myself hurting for the characters and wishing things could be different. Never Let Me Go had an ending that left me wanting a little more, but maybe this is intentional and I'm just being picky. The dystopian reality created within this novel makes the reader face the harsh reality of the human condition, however the ending left more to be desired. 🫀
Never Let Me Go touches on the finite nature of our lives indirectly by introducing science fiction elements in such a magnificent way. Many parts of this book had me considering the characters' dilemmas, their existentialism, and feeling that sense of existentialism reflected in myself. I loved how this book made me consider the concepts of childhood, being drip-fed information vital to the human condition throughout our education and childhood experiences, growing up into our adult identity with our friends, and facing death all in less than 300 pages. The deeper consideration of the oppression and alienation within this book was especially evident in Part Three, alongside the ending providing a bleak outlook and suggestion of a lack of hope. I also appreciated the discussion around art and the importance of preserving this within the context of the book but also expanding into the wider context.
I found some elements of this book to be too slow for my liking - I felt that the story was really gripping only in Part Three, which only leaves about 80 pages of the story remaining. I also just didn't enjoy the narrative style in this book. I found many parts repetitive, often looping back to 'I need to tell you this...' or 'I should explain this...' and this style was just generally not to my taste. I liked the character- and story-building that Ishiguro was going for, but the writing style in this one just wasn't it for me.
The end is predictable - you can see it coming from a mile off - but it was emotional and captivating nonetheless. I found myself hurting for the characters and wishing things could be different. Never Let Me Go had an ending that left me wanting a little more, but maybe this is intentional and I'm just being picky. The dystopian reality created within this novel makes the reader face the harsh reality of the human condition, however the ending left more to be desired. 🫀
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Infertility, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cancer and Homophobia
shaleen64's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The first two thirds of the book are hard to read, simply due to the pace being so slow. Having said that , the picture building is required for context.
The final third is emotional and engaging. It makes you question what it means to be human and how decisions/factors out of our control can dictate our lives.
Whilst the book is worth the read, it’s a book that seems better suited to analysis in oppose to reading for enjoyment.
The final third is emotional and engaging. It makes you question what it means to be human and how decisions/factors out of our control can dictate our lives.
Whilst the book is worth the read, it’s a book that seems better suited to analysis in oppose to reading for enjoyment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Classism
Minor: Cancer and Homophobia
pich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Medical trauma
Moderate: Bullying and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer
vaguelyredhead's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Bullying, Infertility, and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer and Homophobia
wyabook234's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro examines the value of human life and mind through the perspective of a character who isn't regarded as human, as she is a clone. Reading about how these "clones" grow up at Hailsham reveals how they adapt to idealisms of love and creativity that become a part of their lives and daily regimes. You've also learned through a portrayal of how society takes advantage of these clones and how we take our lives for granted. We also learned from the heartache of having Ruth, Kathy, and Tommy go through with what they were prepared for, with no control and further disappointments of what they can't do because their purpose has already been forced upon them.
While there is a love triangle, the disputes between all three teenagers aren't as bothersome because they do what they do to grasp onto their lives and any need for attachment as "clones." By the novel's end, you could feel empty of how much of a soul you can envision these clones having when they discover the truth about their existence.
I couldn't feel enough of a connection to these characters to bawl, and sometimes the plot meanders in the middle regarding how the kids act outside of Hailsham, except when it comes to looking for a music tape but that is just me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Bullying and Infertility
Minor: Cancer
himpersonal's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
3.5
I had a hard time feeling sympathy for any of the characters, even though they probably deserve more sympathy than most people. I could also see a future where this kind of ethical technology actually comes to fruition. As it is today, part of my job is to help assess the digital ethics of some of our more advanced tech projects for potentially unintended consequences. Would’ve rated this book higher given the subject matter could be so gripping, but it wasn’t quite, and I think it was because the characters lacked depth. However, that’s part of the genius of this book. After all, it’s hard to develop character when they have a very finite future. Actually, based on this little aha I just had, I’ll readjust to a 4.
I had a hard time feeling sympathy for any of the characters, even though they probably deserve more sympathy than most people. I could also see a future where this kind of ethical technology actually comes to fruition. As it is today, part of my job is to help assess the digital ethics of some of our more advanced tech projects for potentially unintended consequences. Would’ve rated this book higher given the subject matter could be so gripping, but it wasn’t quite, and I think it was because the characters lacked depth. However, that’s part of the genius of this book. After all, it’s hard to develop character when they have a very finite future. Actually, based on this little aha I just had, I’ll readjust to a 4.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
kourtjohnstone's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I really enjoyed this story. I buddy read it and I highly recommend sharing the reading experiences with a friend or a bookclub to pause and discuss.
Never Let Me Go is a quietly powerful novel that explores deep questions about humanity and ethics. Kazuo Ishiguro tells the story of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, students at a mysterious boarding school, as they gradually uncover the disturbing truth about their lives.
Never Let Me Go is a quietly powerful novel that explores deep questions about humanity and ethics. Kazuo Ishiguro tells the story of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, students at a mysterious boarding school, as they gradually uncover the disturbing truth about their lives.
The writing is subtle, building a sense of unease that lingers. It's a haunting read, focusing on love, loss, and what it means to be human. Perfect for those who enjoy thought-provoking fiction with a gloomy twist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma
Minor: Bullying and Cancer
lililoos's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book made me stare at a wall and cry for a good few minutes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Minor: Cancer, Chronic illness, and Classism
veposve's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Minor: Cancer