What I find fascinating is that what for me is the central existential issue - humans living not as themselves but as organ stashes for other people - which I find to be a terribly disturbing idea, was for Ishiguro just a technical solution to a different issue altogether ! (or so it sounds from his Paris Review interview. and also from the present interview). He came upon this idea at a relatively late stage of the writing, and it wasn't at all the central issue for him ! wow
Holy shit I didn't imagine his voice sounding like this...I knew he was British but... Also Remains of the Day is fucking lit. Actually one of the best books I've read.
Ironically, I just read an interview in The Paris Review in which Ishiguro describes Never Let Me Go as his "cheerful novel", the one which focuses more on "the positive aspects of human beings". It's funny how even when he thinks he is focusing on the positive, the work ends up heart-breaking. He has a fascinating style, it's always very precise, almost too much so. Apparently he goes through several drafts before perfecting a novel, and it shows. I'd love to have that kind of discipline.
I actually really like characters of the teachers/ caretakers of the facility because they kind of remind me of these people who really try to do there best in a situation that is pretty confusing and in time one that is bound to collapse because the borders between these donor kids and real kids starts to close in. No matter how hard the world tries to see them as different people the caretakers really see them.
Very impactful book. I find it so disturbing that the characters are so peaceful regarding their destiny... I understand that they have had a particular education (brainwashing), but they also had access to some form of culture, with litterature, music, arts, so it is quite strange that they don't end up thinking like any human being: being scared of death, protesting against their destiny, being rebellious... No, they are just acceptant.
Phenomenal novel that served its purpose like an ideal donor would. Ishiguro is a true genius at manipulating his audience. I wouldn't change a single thing in Never Let Me Go. People who are looking for simple plot driven entertainment would do better reading some Dan Brown instead.
The scariest thing about this book is that the people being used as organ donors never try to run away, because they can't conceive of any other existence due to being programmed at birth. And how utter believable that is as well
just finished the book...i was so sad at the end, i mean i had hope that things wld turn around for the better, in fact i had so much hope that i literally felt like I KNEW! it was such a bomb shell to reach the end and have all my hopes dashed! It really made me think abt life and how much we try to keep the past alive, how we hold on to it but in reality nothing lasts forever...memories is all we have - which in essence the whole book is built on memories...loved it, def recommend!
A unique and fabulous novel. I can't wait for the movie, which starts filming this April. The screenplay is by novelist and screenwriter Alex Garland, which is a good start.
not a technical or flashy writer, but very good at what he does. what he doesn't talk about in this but also key is that the kids have been given a narrow, decelerated expectation of life, so even after the realization dawns on them in a holy-shit sense, they are cursed/blessed to be without the utter panic that'd affect us and the short lives amazingly keep on that tight, calm arc, and they don't question getting bodied at the end, eerie and pretty yo
There where a lot of metaphors in this movie. Such as the row homes and this is where the cold harted teachers lived. They where living their lives in clone fashion and didnt even know it! The boat was another metaphor of Tommy and the luves of the clones. Helpless on a beach, picked over like what the doctors where doing to the clones. Also it made me feel that Tommy could have had an alternitive life as a fisherman or boat captain. One more metaphor was the fence at the end and the paper caught up in it. Basiclly that was all three of there lives. Caught and trapped wanting to go forward in the wind as we much want to when we are in are 20s but also that they where beautiful in one way but looked at from societies point of view as garbage in the wind.
I read the book. It is not boring, in the least. The story is gripping and fascinating. What I didn't like, I think, is the manner of the presentation. Perhaps the way the main character narrates, or the way the story flows from one recount to another but not sequentially. Although not a favorite of mine, you can't take away the significance of the story. He is extremely subtle and methodical which some people may not like as it lends to more lengthy writing to get the point across.
@sknarl i never thought about the part of taking all their organs at one time, but i think it's just that whenever an organ would have been needed, they would take from them, not to have a pile of organs in refrigerators or something; it won't survive long. the best thing i liked about never let me go is the characters,you can't really justify what they do even though at many times they did odd things. tommy just wasn't strong enough to leave ruth, he is portrayed as secluded and disoriented...
Wikipedia is disrespectful for describing him as a "British novelist", he was born in Japan, grew up in Japan, and only moved to the UK later in his life. HE IS JAPANESE!
@sknarl ...and kathy if you've noticed never really outrightly said or thought that she loved tommy until ruth confessed, as for ruth, well, you kind of can't justify her actions as well, she's not evil per se but her commanding character and pride shapes everything about how she reacts, kathy just wasn't the type to stand out and give her a piece of her mind. but that's just my opinion ^^. i loved the book, it didn't drag at all for me
another case of how our ancient past becomes interwined with our present. human sacrifice to modern day ceccular human sacrifice both condoning the death of one to save the many
I had to stop watching the interview as I am reading the book at the moment and htis interiew appears to contain 'spoilers'. I read 'Remains of the day' and I consider Ishiguro to be following along the lines of great authors such as Dickens, Elliot and many other great writers. Sure if Dan Brown is your style no problem - however if you want an author who explores deep human issues, relationships and life then read Ishiguro...
I'm asian, if that means anything ..and I'm not bothered by what people say about the authors race in relation to the book/film at all.I don't think the author was creating anything exclusively "white" I think what he really wanted us to do was key into a more universal note of morality, and how short life is and how tragic it is that these kids could have been been anyone of us but they were denied that chance.
This novel was a very slow read for me. The progression in itself was slow. I was hoping for more heights and a BIG surprise...Nothing. It was only depressing, gloomy, and long, on my take. Sorry, guys.
@critopams I simply must ask this because I am entirely curious. What are you talking about? The book was brilliant. What white washed thing? Explain yourself better please. Never forget that he is culturally English and racially Japanese. Do not, please mistake culture for race. This entire book has nothing to do with race and everything to do with how a life is well lived. Please never confuse the two.
this guy's book is very boring for the first 8 chapters but you HAVE to read them because otherwise u won't recognize anything in the rest of the book BTW bad quility
'never let me go' was a horribly boring book. however, 'the remains of the day' was a masterpiece; it's my all time favorite book. 'never let me go' read like it was written in haste; like the author didn't spend enough time for themes and ideas 'gel'. it's a 'coulda been a good book' kinda book.
It’s so annoying (to other writers) that Ishiguro wrote both REMAINS OF THE DAY and this. Dude, you covered most of the human condition in two novels, please stop so there’s subject matter for someone else…
What I find fascinating is that what for me is the central existential issue - humans living not as themselves but as organ stashes for other people - which I find to be a terribly disturbing idea, was for Ishiguro just a technical solution to a different issue altogether ! (or so it sounds from his Paris Review interview. and also from the present interview). He came upon this idea at a relatively late stage of the writing, and it wasn't at all the central issue for him !
wow
Thought it started slow, but the ending really got to me.
Holy shit I didn't imagine his voice sounding like this...I knew he was British but...
Also Remains of the Day is fucking lit. Actually one of the best books I've read.
Ironically, I just read an interview in The Paris Review in which Ishiguro describes Never Let Me Go as his "cheerful novel", the one which focuses more on "the positive aspects of human beings". It's funny how even when he thinks he is focusing on the positive, the work ends up heart-breaking.
He has a fascinating style, it's always very precise, almost too much so. Apparently he goes through several drafts before perfecting a novel, and it shows. I'd love to have that kind of discipline.
This book is so "Horribly Good" Loved it. Movie was made me cry
Congratulation for the nobel prize 2017
just finished it, one of my favorite books of all time :'( the other one is The buried giant.
A heart wrenching story that moves me to tears. An absolutely amazing work by Ishiguro.
Indeed an amazing book beautifully written and touches your heart in such a sincere manner.
I actually really like characters of the teachers/ caretakers of the facility because they kind of remind me of these people who really try to do there best in a situation that is pretty confusing and in time one that is bound to collapse because the borders between these donor kids and real kids starts to close in. No matter how hard the world tries to see them as different people the caretakers really see them.
Quite possibly the best book I've ever read.
The book is great. I like the simplicity & unpretentious style he writes.
Very impactful book.
I find it so disturbing that the characters are so peaceful regarding their destiny... I understand that they have had a particular education (brainwashing), but they also had access to some form of culture, with litterature, music, arts, so it is quite strange that they don't end up thinking like any human being: being scared of death, protesting against their destiny, being rebellious...
No, they are just acceptant.
Phenomenal novel that served its purpose like an ideal donor would. Ishiguro is a true genius at manipulating his audience. I wouldn't change a single thing in Never Let Me Go.
People who are looking for simple plot driven entertainment would do better reading some Dan Brown instead.
The scariest thing about this book is that the people being used as organ donors never try to run away, because they can't conceive of any other existence due to being programmed at birth. And how utter believable that is as well
The legend himself
just finished the book...i was so sad at the end, i mean i had hope that things wld turn around for the better, in fact i had so much hope that i literally felt like I KNEW! it was such a bomb shell to reach the end and have all my hopes dashed! It really made me think abt life and how much we try to keep the past alive, how we hold on to it but in reality nothing lasts forever...memories is all we have - which in essence the whole book is built on memories...loved it, def recommend!
the entire novel is amazing.
This is an absolute delicate story.
A unique and fabulous novel. I can't wait for the movie, which starts filming this April. The screenplay is by novelist and screenwriter Alex Garland, which is a good start.
not a technical or flashy writer, but very good at what he does. what he doesn't talk about in this but also key is that the kids have been given a narrow, decelerated expectation of life, so even after the realization dawns on them in a holy-shit sense, they are cursed/blessed to be without the utter panic that'd affect us and the short lives amazingly keep on that tight, calm arc, and they don't question getting bodied at the end, eerie and pretty yo
There where a lot of metaphors in this movie. Such as the row homes and this is where the cold harted teachers lived. They where living their lives in clone fashion and didnt even know it! The boat was another metaphor of Tommy and the luves of the clones. Helpless on a beach, picked over like what the doctors where doing to the clones. Also it made me feel that Tommy could have had an alternitive life as a fisherman or boat captain. One more metaphor was the fence at the end and the paper caught up in it. Basiclly that was all three of there lives. Caught and trapped wanting to go forward in the wind as we much want to when we are in are 20s but also that they where beautiful in one way but looked at from societies point of view as garbage in the wind.
a terrifically touching book
I read the book. It is not boring, in the least. The story is gripping and fascinating. What I didn't like, I think, is the manner of the presentation. Perhaps the way the main character narrates, or the way the story flows from one recount to another but not sequentially.
Although not a favorite of mine, you can't take away the significance of the story. He is extremely subtle and methodical which some people may not like as it lends to more lengthy writing to get the point across.
still after the 8 chapter's it is becoming better... still nice writing it's a good book
@sknarl i never thought about the part of taking all their organs at one time, but i think it's just that whenever an organ would have been needed, they would take from them, not to have a pile of organs in refrigerators or something; it won't survive long.
the best thing i liked about never let me go is the characters,you can't really justify what they do even though at many times they did odd things. tommy just wasn't strong enough to leave ruth, he is portrayed as secluded and disoriented...
Wikipedia is disrespectful for describing him as a "British novelist", he was born in Japan, grew up in Japan, and only moved to the UK later in his life. HE IS JAPANESE!
He moved to the UK permanently at age 6.
I loved it. I didn't want the book to finish and when it did, I got depressed. :|
This book is amazing I am soo looking forward to the movie
It's meant to show the missing of oppurtunities (artistic individuals) in both the plot and the writing style.
But yes, I DID want to read more
@sknarl ...and kathy if you've noticed never really outrightly said or thought that she loved tommy until ruth confessed, as for ruth, well, you kind of can't justify her actions as well, she's not evil per se but her commanding character and pride shapes everything about how she reacts, kathy just wasn't the type to stand out and give her a piece of her mind. but that's just my opinion ^^. i loved the book, it didn't drag at all for me
I loved it. I didn't want the book to finish and when it did, I got depressed. :| Any other recommendations of the similar kind?
I loves it so much.I couldn't find a similar book.If you have found one in ten years then please comment.😊
what a wonderful mind
does anyone know the theme of this book it would be so helpful!
Indeed an amazing book beautifully written and touches your heart in such a sincere manner. Feel so broken hearted at the end of the book :(
The greatest, the most staggering novel in world literature since "Anna Karenina".
Wow that is a huge statement
@meirperlov have u actually read the book??
it was OK but i wasn't anxious to get to the end so i wouldn't recommend it, although I do want to see the movie if it ever comes out.
I wonder if Kazuo ever read "Logan's Run", a much better book than movie.
@fuchnhead yeah i am done actually , and i did spell check it. lol i was rushing because i haad to turn off my laptop.
another case of how our ancient past becomes interwined with our present. human sacrifice to modern day ceccular human sacrifice both condoning the death of one to save the many
Very interesting :)
i am doing a boo repor on this book :) i love it
I had to stop watching the interview as I am reading the book at the moment and htis interiew appears to contain 'spoilers'.
I read 'Remains of the day' and I consider Ishiguro to be following along the lines of great authors such as Dickens, Elliot and many other great writers.
Sure if Dan Brown is your style no problem - however if you want an author who explores deep human issues, relationships and life then read Ishiguro...
This helped me understand the reason for the story but sad and difficult to grasp the meaning nevertheless.
oh no i think i got spoiled! have not watched the movie yet!
I'm asian, if that means anything ..and I'm not bothered by what people say about the authors race in relation to the book/film at all.I don't think the author was creating anything exclusively "white" I think what he really wanted us to do was key into a more universal note of morality, and how short life is and how tragic it is that these kids could have been been anyone of us but they were denied that chance.
@olisykesify I would have too... but thankfully, they didn't!
@thedbq1
of course I read it, why do you ask
marry me, ishiguro.
I have had this book on my book shelf for the past year and I still haven't read it. What is wrong with me??
@mochacaramelatte God, the movie beat us over the head with that didactic voiceover, though
was it that bad?
WASSUP IDS 100! discussion board? sike.
This novel was a very slow read for me. The progression in itself was slow. I was hoping for more heights and a BIG surprise...Nothing. It was only depressing, gloomy, and long, on my take. Sorry, guys.
quality i mean srry
@critopams I simply must ask this because I am entirely curious. What are you talking about? The book was brilliant. What white washed thing? Explain yourself better please. Never forget that he is culturally English and racially Japanese. Do not, please mistake culture for race. This entire book has nothing to do with race and everything to do with how a life is well lived. Please never confuse the two.
terrible audio quality
this guy's book is very boring for the first 8 chapters but you HAVE to read them because otherwise u won't recognize anything in the rest of the book BTW bad quility
'never let me go' was a horribly boring book. however, 'the remains of the day' was a masterpiece; it's my all time favorite book. 'never let me go' read like it was written in haste; like the author didn't spend enough time for themes and ideas 'gel'. it's a 'coulda been a good book' kinda book.
It’s so annoying (to other writers) that Ishiguro wrote both REMAINS OF THE DAY and this. Dude, you covered most of the human condition in two novels, please stop so there’s subject matter for someone else…