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A review by leahgustafson
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I truly believe Kazuo Ishiguro is a complete genius and his works are going to be considered the classics of our time. This is actually a reread for me. I had read this for the first time in college as part of my English major. As someone who isn’t a huge re-reader, I am so glad I took the time to revisit this one. I was definitely able to get much more out of it than I was on the initial read. This has me thinking there are many more books I will be needing to revisit.
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Ishiguro is a master at exploring the concept of memory through unreliable narrators. This story explores what it means to truly be human—focusing on the importance of connection, love, friendship, and memories. It also highlights the importance of art and ones ability to “create.”
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As with all of his books, Ishiguro raises some important question that ask us to reflect further on: the importance of the truth, how we view/ approach mortality (especially our own), the ethics involved in developing new technologies and policies that enhance the human condition, and who is benefiting from these enhancements. Because his books explore such major themes and questions, I think they are best read as book club selections or as buddy reads. I’ve discovered a greater level of depth when discussing them with others.
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Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
•
Ishiguro is a master at exploring the concept of memory through unreliable narrators. This story explores what it means to truly be human—focusing on the importance of connection, love, friendship, and memories. It also highlights the importance of art and ones ability to “create.”
•
As with all of his books, Ishiguro raises some important question that ask us to reflect further on: the importance of the truth, how we view/ approach mortality (especially our own), the ethics involved in developing new technologies and policies that enhance the human condition, and who is benefiting from these enhancements. Because his books explore such major themes and questions, I think they are best read as book club selections or as buddy reads. I’ve discovered a greater level of depth when discussing them with others.
•
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Medical trauma