Never Let Me Go - June 14, 2010

Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go was quite different than the rest of the novels that have been covered in class thus far. I enjoyed how the notion of a freak wasn't blatantly pushed upon the reader throughout the duration of the plot. Rather than viewing the characters as foreign objects, I was able to view them as individuals equipped with all the characteristics that accompany what it means to be human. Perhaps it was the ability to relate to these characters that appeared to be more capable now than before which allowed the enjoyment of this novel to come much easier than the rest. Through references to the reader as a possible member of their illusory civilization, a connection was made linking the society we inhabit today with the one we encountered in Never Let Me Go. With the capacity to view these characters through a lens that could apply to current society, the connections made between audience and observers allowed for the treatment of the characters to have a direct impact those following their journey.

I credit my overt satisfaction with this novel to the narrative style provided by the main character Kathy. By using language and imagery that is easily understood, the text was able to allow for descriptive imagery to be created on a continuous basis. Furthermore, the notion of hearing the story from the standpoint of a 'freak' permitted the classification of such a category to expand from a distinct to an ambiguous heading. I discovered a universal hierarchy was created which entailed both the standard members of society and those that do not conform. Those who receive the donations of the organs (us) occupy the preeminent position. In terms of those who supply the apparatus' to the public, a hierarchy exists between this sub-section. Hailsham occupies the top position, enforcing the members of this lower class to achieve means similar to those received by higher occupants. This ability to mimic the lifestyle of a norm, forces the reader to view the clones of Hailsham as just that. Geographically the world of the clones is separated from the general population however mentally and physically the similarities between these two groups is uncanny.