A review by gardens_and_dragons
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

 I think ultimately it’s not my cup of tea personally, BUT I do think it covers some important themes.  I still will recommend it to folks who enjoy literary novels. 

The positives!
It was devastating and horrific by the time you get to the third part of the novel, but the lead up to the final reveals are methodical and nostalgic for the “good old days” of the characters youth. It was easy to read and the reveals were laid out well. The tragedy of their lives is poignant, and shows that they had deserved more dignity than they got . 

The negatives
I felt very frustrated with the narrator and her inaction with the events unfolding, on every stage of her life. Ultimately it was very slow. I mentioned before their lives’ tragedy was poignant - it was also relentless. I think that since this book has very little hope, it was not the right time to read this. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings