I just finished reading Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go This is a somewhat melancholy study of three student’s growing up. Their prosaic childhood angst and issues offset the true issue within the book. It was a steady, well-paced story that was slow and gently laid out. The narrative style was like a wide and deep river with a glassy surface that hinted at the darker forces underneath.

This is the story of three children growing up at a special school called Hailsham. Kathy, the narrator of the story, tells of her years at school and the friendships that formed between her and Ruth and Tommy. These students live outside of society in a somewhat idyllic setting where a dark truth is always held just outside consciousness. Their tale explores what is it to be human, the need for hope even in for the hopeless and the way our society justifies its most gruesome actions.

Was it a fun read? Not especially. Was it a good read? Definitely. Ishiguro paints a slow, rich and deliberate picture with fine detail that, once you step back, you enjoy the final outcome.

– Jim