A review by kevtmitch
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 A beautiful yet devastating read. I have a very high tolerance for the distressing, and yet the concept (revealed partway through) made me feel sick for the entire read. And yet Ishiguro's skill at empathetically asking us what makes us human shines through the sadness. In his body of work, he frequently places us in the perspective of an oppressed class - specifically with individuals who are not looking to change the system or lead a revolution, but rather who take the path of acquiescence and acceptance of one's role that most real people take in unfair or unjust situations. Such a perspective can be frustrating to readers used to Chosen One or Hero's Journey storylines, but Ishiguro gives us the gift of understanding humanity. His profound empathy and emotional intelligence is a core feature of this book. I'll never forget it. 
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