Reviews

this book represents so many of world's worst sins—the indefensible cost of greed and progress which amounts to the dehumanization and exploitation of others. it raises these points romantically, tragically, beautifully. the horror of kathy, ruth, and tommy's situation is revealed slow, sugarcoated by their naiveté, the mythos that evolves as the children grow and are fed palatable snippets of the truth.

yet what was the most maddening and devastating of all was how they tried to hold onto their dignity until the end, how they clung to their purpose because otherwise all of that suffering would be for nothing.

i wanted so much more for them.

soopmcdoop's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-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

wherewolf37's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious 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? No

5.0

sgenheden's review against another edition

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challenging dark 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

kvining's review against another edition

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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? No

3.25

spaces_and_solaces's review against another edition

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4.0

Never Let Me Know Go takes you on a journey where anticipation hangs in the air, like the imminent drop of an unknown shoe. Set against a backdrop of dystopia in the 90s, this novel transcends its sci-fi label and delves deep into the fragility of the human condition. From the very beginning, a gnawing unease settles in the pit of your stomach, and a profound sense of despair lingers long after finishing the last page.

Narrated by Kathy, the story unfurls within the confines of a peculiar English private school, immediately setting off alarm bells in the reader's mind. The teachers, known as Guardians, exhibit an unsettling aversion toward the students, who eventually become labeled as carers or donors. As the narrative unfolds, the destination becomes clear, the path ahead apparent, and yet, the glimmer of hope persists, urging us to keep reading, hoping against hope for a spark of salvation for these tormented souls.

Ishiguro weaves his words with meticulous depth, unraveling the tapestry of emotions and laying bare the raw essence of the human experience. His prose, though understated, carries an undeniable weight, confronting us with the profound intentions that lie beneath the surface. It is a delicate dance, for discussing this book without revealing spoilers is a daunting task. In fact, I would implore you to approach it with no prior knowledge, for the impact is magnified in its unanticipated revelations.

Never Let Me Know Go stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, leaving an indelible mark upon the reader's soul. While it may not claim the title of my personal favorite among Ishiguro's works, it has left me wounded, contemplative, and bestowed upon me a perspective on life that is truly unparalleled.

This novel beckons us to ponder the fragility of existence, the weight of predetermined paths, and the haunting nature of what it truly means to be human.

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