Please Let Me Go: Ishiguro's Pointless Dystopia

Never Let Me Go

Book Review by Margaret

By Kazuo Ishiguro

Rating: 6.5/10

Date read: 11 February to 17 February

Never Let Me Go is a 2005 dystopian science fiction novel which takes the form of a recounted narrative given by the main character, Kathy, who looks back on her life growing up at boarding school in 1990’s England with her two closest friends, Ruth and Tommy. However, throughout the story, it becomes evident that there is something sinister about the boarding school and the people involved with it. There is more to the story than Kathy immediately lets on, something which leads to desperation, regret, grief and death. It also leads the reader to question their own ideas about the value of human life and what makes us human.

Never Let Me Go was recommended to me to read by two people who love the book and convinced me that I was in for a real rollercoaster of a ride. However, they were wrong. This book, while it has some ups and downs, was ultimately pointless and the ending fell completely flat. I must admit that it was well written and I did enjoy reading it. Unfortunately, the engaging writing style, clever storyline and strong character building were undermined by the confused moral direction and the senseless, godless perspective on humanity and the human soul. All of the emotional weight and sensitivity of the book depends on the reader having completely nihilistic and atheist beliefs, which may explain why I felt the book didn’t fully grip me.

Nevertheless, I felt that the writing style of this book was particularly impressive. Kathy’s detailed and analytical way of recounting her experiences made me feel at times that she was speaking directly to me. The non-chronological, uncertain narration felt entirely natural and realistic– at points, it seemed as though I was reading my own thoughts. It is this aspect of the book which redeems its rating. While I do not agree with the worldview Ishiguro presents, I can’t deny that this is a profound and highly engaging novel.

Kazuo Ishiguro Novel Adaptation With Andrew Garfield - The New York Times

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