Never Let Me Go

Summary

«Never Let Me Go» is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, published in 2005. The story follows a group of children raised in a secluded private boarding school called Hailsham in England. Over time, the main characters—Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth—discover the shocking truth about their origins and purpose. They are clones, created to eventually become organ donors. Throughout the novel, their inner worlds, relationships, hopes, and dreams are explored, along with the moral and ethical aspects of cloning. Ishiguro delves into themes of humanity, love, loss, and the inevitability of death, provoking readers to ponder profound questions about existence and personal identity.

Main Ideas

• The moral and ethical issues of scientific experiments and cloning
• Exploration of the human soul and identity in the context of non-human origins
• Questions of predestined fate and the possibility of choice
• Reflection on the value of memories and the past in shaping identity
• Themes of love, friendship, and human relationships against the backdrop of inevitable tragedy

Main Characters and Their Development

• Kathy H., the narrator and main character, journeys from a student at the special school Hailsham to a professional 'carer.' She gradually reveals to the reader the grim nature of her existence and comes to terms with her purpose and fate, while trying to find meaning in her feelings and memories.
• Ruth, Kathy's close friend and one of the main characters, is spontaneous and energetic. Over time, her complex relationships with Kathy and Tommy showcase various aspects of human interactions and emotions, from jealousy and competition to deep attachment and understanding. Ultimately, Ruth attempts to make amends for past mistakes before her time comes.
• Tommy, a friend and eventually Kathy's love interest. As a child, he struggles with socialization and is often the target of ridicule. As the story progresses, he becomes more self-assured, and his relationships with Kathy and Ruth evolve. He is characterized by deep emotional sensitivity and seeks answers about his own uniqueness and significance.

Style and Technique

Kazuo Ishiguro's «Never Let Me Go» is written in the first person from the perspective of the main character, Kathy. The novel includes elements of science fiction, but focuses more on reflections about humanity, memory, and loss. A hallmark of Ishiguro's style is his ability to vividly recreate the inner worlds of his characters, their experiences, and perspectives on events. The language of the book is simple and expressive, allowing readers to immerse themselves deeply in the story's atmosphere. The author employs the technique of retrospection, with the plot unfolding through the characters' memories, gaining complexity and emotional depth.

Interesting Facts

• The novel is set in an alternate reality of late 20th century England, where human cloning has become commonplace.
• The main characters—Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth—are clones created for organ donation.
• The novel explores themes of human nature, morality, and the ethics of cloning, as well as questions of identity and purpose.
• The book is written in the form of memories by the main character, Kathy, who recounts her childhood and youth spent at Hailsham boarding school.
• One of the key themes of the novel is the idea that even in the face of predetermined fate, people strive for love, friendship, and self-expression.
• The novel was adapted into a film in 2010, starring Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley.

Book Review

«Never Let Me Go» by Kazuo Ishiguro, published in 2005, is one of the author's most renowned works. It is a story of friendship, love, and loss, narrated by Kathy H., a student of the special school Hailsham, which at first appears to be an idyllic institution. However, the dark reality of the students' purpose gradually unfolds before the reader. The novel impresses with its depth and storytelling mastery, Ishiguro's ability to discuss complex ethical issues through the lens of personal stories. The themes addressed in the book—moral dilemmas of cloning, the meaning of life and human relationships, as well as questions of memory and oblivion—make it not only an engaging narrative but also a profound philosophical work. «Never Let Me Go» raises challenging questions about the nature of the soul and societal norms, leaving a lasting resonance.