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Never Let Me Go

By Kazuo Ishiguro

(539)

| Paperback | 9780571224135

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Book Review: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Share

What would it be like if we reached the point where humans are capable of playing God? What if science progressed to the point where humans are now capable of doing extraordinary things to our own species in order to prolong life? The answer to these ... (read full critics)

blogcritics published on Wed, 20 Jul 2011

NEVER LET ME GO by Kazuo Ishiguro

Review by Roger Brunyate (SEP 13, 2010) This is a magnificent achievement, one that I personally rate above all other Ishiguro novels, because it adds an unexpected and quietly devastating emotional dimension to his already-powerful armory. Although ... (read full critics)

mostlyfiction published on Thu, 30 Sep 2010

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34 Reviews

8 people find this helpful

I never like sci-fi novels, but this one is an exception. It brings out a lot of issues about technology development and its impact on human nature. Where should we draw the line between natural evolution and scientific advancement? Who should decide what is right for humankind?
A good book ... (continue)

I never like sci-fi novels, but this one is an exception. It brings out a lot of issues about technology development and its impact on human nature. Where should we draw the line between natural evolution and scientific advancement? Who should decide what is right for humankind?
A good book.

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Tracy W said on Apr 11, 2007 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

3 people find this helpful

Very 1984-ish. Loved it!

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annemarie said on Apr 15, 2007 | Add your feedback

2 people find this helpful

Humanity at it's bleakest and finest

Kazuo Ishiguro's fictional reality is one not inconceivably far from our own, and can be interpreted as a warning of the horrific consequences of well-intended, but poorly thought out medical breakthroughs.
The novel is an examination of the frailty of life and humanity, and the strength of lo ... (continue)

Kazuo Ishiguro's fictional reality is one not inconceivably far from our own, and can be interpreted as a warning of the horrific consequences of well-intended, but poorly thought out medical breakthroughs.
The novel is an examination of the frailty of life and humanity, and the strength of love, relationships and hope. This is done exceptionally well, and you cannot help but feel for the main characters and their impossible situation. However, it always seems predictable, and whilst this may be purposeful, so as to lead the reader on the journey with Kathy, it never quite reaches the quality of writing it needs. It does come very close, as the high standard of writing used in the novel works well for the parts of the story not directly relating to the plot points which could be seen as 'twists'. It is nevertheless a great book, but narrowly misses out on being brilliant because it leaves so much unsaid. For the most part, this is a love story, not a dystopian vision of the negative side of health benefits.
I would still recommend it, and I am intrigued enough to read further. This is a book that really fits somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, as I feel I'm being unnecessarily harsh with it here. There's little room for disappointment here.

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Daniel Peachey said on Jul 16, 2008 | Add your feedback

Inquietante

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CristinaP said on Feb 3, 2012 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

DULL.

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smashingmoky said on Oct 27, 2011 | Add your feedback

Heartbreaking and beautiful

My favourite book. A truly heartbreaking exploration of humanity, and how institutionalisation can make people accept something that would normally appear terrible and wicked.
Beautifully written and, as far as I am concerned, Kazuo's finest work. I found myself thinking about the book and the chara ... (continue)

My favourite book. A truly heartbreaking exploration of humanity, and how institutionalisation can make people accept something that would normally appear terrible and wicked.
Beautifully written and, as far as I am concerned, Kazuo's finest work. I found myself thinking about the book and the characters long after I finished reading it.

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Paul Arman said on Jul 21, 2011 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback