Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
The bookseller at Waldenbooks told me that, although he’d never read Never Let Me Go, several people had told him that it was a difficult read. I don’t know that I agree with this view, but I can understand how some readers might come to this conclusion. Although there’s no terribly imaginative vocabulary and the storyline is refreshingly unusual, Ishiguro does nothing to explain his characters or the world he has created before he is ready. There are certain terms and conditions that simply have to be accepted without understanding as they’re read. This can be truly frustrating.
Unfortunately, I can’t reveal much of anything about the plot of this book without giving away the little secrets that are carefully tucked away and so casually mentioned that the revelation of each new detail is a surprise. The biggest disappointment was that I was left with so many questions. Kazuo doesn’t delve into the technical aspect of his book at all, choosing to focus entirely on the slowly dissipating hope of his main characters as they follow their preordained path through life.
Although I did like this novel, I’ll probably read it again in a month or so to see if I enjoy it more when I’m not searching desperately for clues to who the donors, guardians and carers are and why they exist. The hidden meanings were a little distracting, even though the craftsmanship of the novel itself was excellent.
On a scale of “Eh” to “FANFUCKINGTASTIC!” I give Never Let Me Go a “Hmm. Veeeerry interesting.” Read it if you like novels that make you think, but aren’t stuck up their own asses.
