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Never Let Me Go: Summary

Everything you need to know about Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go is a science fiction novel that follows the life of Kathy, a young woman growing up in an alternative version of late 20th century England. She and her friends are part of a group of people who were created as clones to be used for organ donations when they reach adulthood. As Kathy grows up, she comes to terms with her fate and reflects on the choices she's made throughout her life, including her relationship with her childhood friends, Ruth and Tommy. The novel explores themes of mortality, morality, and the value of life.

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What is Never Let Me Go about?

Never Let Me Go is a science fiction novel by Kazuo Ishiguro that explores the themes of mortality, identity, and memory. The novel tells the story of Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, three clones who are raised in an isolated boarding school and eventually become donors for an organ harvesting program. As they grow older and begin to understand their situation, they grapple with issues of mortality, identity, and memory as they search for meaning in their lives. The novel also examines the ethical implications of cloning and scientific progress, questioning what makes us human. At its core, Never Let Me Go is about loss and hope: the characters must come to terms with their inevitable fate while seeking redemption through human connection.

Never Let Me Go: Book Club Questions

  1. What did you think of the way the novel portrayed the theme of mortality?
  2. How did the characters' relationships develop throughout the novel?
  3. What do you think were the main themes explored in Never Let Me Go?
  4. What message was Kazuo Ishiguro trying to convey through his writing?
  5. Did you find Kathy's narrative voice convincing and engaging?
  6. How did you feel about the ending of the novel?
  7. Did you sympathize with any of the characters in particular?
  8. How would you describe the tone of Never Let Me Go?
  9. Were there any moments that left a lasting impression on you?
  10. Do you think Ishiguro was successful in conveying the human cost behind scientific progress?

What to say about Never Let Me Go

  • Never Let Me Go is an incredibly thought-provoking novel, delving into complex ethical and moral questions.
  • The story's exploration of human identity and mortality is poignant and moving.
  • The writing style of Never Let Me Go is captivating, inviting the reader to become deeply invested in the characters' lives.
  • The book's themes of friendship and loyalty make it a timeless classic.
  • The book's unique setting provides a fascinating backdrop for the narrative to unfold.
  • Never Let Me Go is a powerful depiction of how human relationships can withstand the most difficult of circumstances.
  • Through its exploration of life's fragility, Never Let Me Go encourages us to appreciate every moment we have.
  • The book serves as an important reminder that life is unpredictable and full of surprises.
  • The way in which Kazuo Ishiguro blends science fiction elements with a realistic narrative is truly masterful.
  • Never Let Me Go raises important questions about the meaning of life and our place in the world.

Top 5 Quotes from Never Let Me Go

  1. "No one ever told us why we were here, or what we were meant to do."
  2. "But I was wrong, things don't have to stay the same."
  3. "We all complete. Maybe everyone completes in different ways, but we all complete."
  4. "It's like we were designed that way, for a purpose, but no one will tell us what it is."
  5. "Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don't go along with that. The memories I value most, I don't ever see them fading."

Adaptations of Never Let Me Go

1. Film: Never Let Me Go (2010). Directed by Mark Romanek, starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield. 2. Radio Play: A radio adaptation of the novel was produced by BBC Radio 4 in 2012, starring Carey Mulligan and Ruth Wilson. 3. Podcast: The novel was adapted into a podcast in 2020, with an all-star cast including Emily Blunt, Aaron Paul, and Andrew Garfield. 4. Theatre: Never Let Me Go was adapted into a stage play in 2019, produced by Headlong Theatre Company at the Chichester Festival Theatre in England.

Other books by Kazuo Ishiguro

  • The Buried Giant
  • An Artist of the Floating World
  • When We Were Orphans
  • The Remains of the Day
  • Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
  • A Pale View of Hills
  • The Unconsoled
  • A Man and His Mountain
  • The Sign at the Shore
  • The Boat
  • Creature

Did you know?

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Never Let Me Go was the first book by author Kazuo Ishiguro to be shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.