Reviews

I had absolutely no expectations going into this book. I hadn’t read the book jacket, hadn’t seen the movie trailer. A colleague recommended it based on my book preferences but told me not to look into the topic ahead of time or it would spoil the big plot.

So. That being said, although I caught on to the “big plot” instantly, I don’t want to summarize the story as it may ruin it for others.

What I will say is this: The concept of the book was great, although I have seen it done before ([b:The Unit|5730888|The Unit|Ninni Holmqvist|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255729924s/5730888.jpg|5902518] by [a:Ninni Holmqvist|1232086|Ninni Holmqvist|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg]; The Island, a 2005 movie – that was hint #1). I was just disappointed that it didn’t develop more than it did, or possibly that it didn’t develop more quickly than it did. There could have been a lot more action and drama in the book, rather than drawn out story-tellings of the past.

The long story short: If you are one of those readers who are able to read slow material without batting an eye, give this book a try (especially if you like freaky dystopian storylines – that is hint #2). If, however, you are from the camp of not being able to struggle through said literature, go see the movie. I heard stellar reviews about the movie.v

fynn_williamss's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Although this book felt really hard to get through, it was one of those books that just gets better after you’ve put it down. Despite its slow pace (which I usually struggle with), this book left me pondering about its themes and ideas for days. The fact that Kazuo Ishiguro was able to make such immense commentary on what defines one’s humanity and life in such an ‘out-there’ format was really interesting to read. I’m looking forward to reading more of his work in future <3

hishandmaiden's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

lindsaylhunter's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

I'm almost mad that I didn't DNF this. Undoubtedly the most drawn out book I've read in a while and for what? Where does the story lead us? The main character's stream of consciousness forever put me in mind of that Jemima Kirke Instagram story - "I think you guys might be thinking about yourselves too much."

Content Warnings

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