Never Let Me Go

"Never Let Me Go" is a novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro that was first published in 2005. The story is set in an alternative version of England in the 1990s, where human clones are created for the sole purpose of providing organs for their original, non-cloned counterparts. The novel is narrated by Kathy H, a former clone, who looks back on her life and relationships with her friends Ruth and Tommy.

The story begins with Kathy H, who is now 31 years old and working as a carer for other clones who are in the process of donating their organs. As she reflects on her past, she thinks back to her childhood at Hailsham, a secluded boarding school in the English countryside. At Hailsham, Kathy and her classmates are raised in a controlled environment where they are taught that they are special, and that they are destined to one day make important contributions to society. However, as they grow older, they begin to realize the true purpose of their existence.

The novel explores several themes, including identity, love, and mortality. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of individuality and the struggle that the clones face in trying to define their own identities. The clones are told from a young age that they are different from the rest of society, and yet they are still subject to the same emotions and desires as any other human being. Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy all struggle to understand who they are and what their place in the world is.

Another important theme is the idea of love and relationships. The clones are not supposed to have romantic relationships with each other, as they are seen as being too emotionally fragile to handle the intense feelings that come with love. However, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy all fall in love with each other, and their relationships are tested by the harsh reality of their existence. Their love is both beautiful and tragic, as they know that they will ultimately be separated by death.

Finally, the novel also explores the idea of mortality and the fear of death. The clones know from a young age that they will only live for a certain amount of time, as their organs will be gradually harvested over the course of their lives. They struggle with the knowledge that they will never experience the fullness of life, and that their purpose is only to provide for others.

"Never Let Me Go" is a haunting and deeply moving novel that challenges readers to question what it means to be human. The novel's characters are complex and well-developed, and their struggles with identity, love, and mortality are both relatable and heart-wrenching. Ishiguro's prose is both elegant and precise, and he creates a sense of quiet desperation throughout the novel that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

As the story progresses, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy leave Hailsham and are sent to live in "the Cottages," where they begin their adult lives. There, they continue to struggle with their identities and the reality of their existence. They also begin to learn more about their purpose, as they witness their fellow clones being taken away for their organ donations.

Despite their struggles, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy cling to their love for each other, which becomes increasingly complex as they grow older. Ruth and Tommy begin a romantic relationship, which causes tension between the three friends. However, as Ruth's health begins to deteriorate, she encourages Tommy and Kathy to pursue their own romantic relationship, knowing that she will not be able to provide for Tommy for much longer.

In the novel's climax, Kathy becomes Ruth's carer as Ruth prepares for her final donation. Kathy is devastated by Ruth's impending death, but she finds comfort in Tommy's presence. After Ruth's death, Tommy and Kathy become a couple and they hope to defer their donations, which is a myth that they have been told about and believed since their childhood. They eventually find out that the deferral was never real, and that their fate is inevitable.

In the novel's final chapters, Kathy and Tommy begin to prepare for their donations, knowing that they will soon die. They visit Ruth's grave and reflect on their lives together, and the love that they have shared. The novel ends with Kathy watching Tommy's donation from afar, knowing that she will soon join him in death.

The novel is also a commentary on society's treatment of those who are deemed "other." In this case, the clones are treated as sub-human, and their lives are viewed as expendable in order to benefit the "original" humans. This is a stark reminder of the dangers of viewing certain groups of people as lesser than others, and the novel raises important questions about the ethics of cloning and organ donation.

Another important aspect of the novel is the way it is narrated. Kathy's narration is introspective and reflective, and it allows the reader to see the world through her eyes. However, her narration is also unreliable, as she only has access to her own thoughts and memories. This creates a sense of ambiguity throughout the novel, as the reader is never quite sure what is happening outside of Kathy's perspective. This adds an element of mystery to the novel, and it encourages readers to actively engage with the text in order to piece together the story.

The novel's title, "Never Let Me Go," comes from a song that Kathy remembers from her childhood. The song speaks to the idea of holding onto love and human connection in the face of adversity and mortality. This theme is woven throughout the novel, as Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy cling to their love for each other, even as they face their inevitable deaths. The novel ultimately suggests that the connections we form with other people are what give our lives meaning, even in the face of death.

Overall, "Never Let Me Go" is a powerful and heartbreaking novel that explores complex themes with great skill and depth. The novel's characters are deeply human, and their struggles with identity, love, and mortality are both relatable and moving. Ishiguro's prose is elegant and precise, and he creates a sense of quiet desperation throughout the novel that is both beautiful and tragic. The novel is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of love and human connection in the face of mortality.