Never Let Me Go is a dystopian novel by Kazuo Ishiguro in which Kathy, a clone and "carer," reflects on her time at Hailsham boarding school with friends Ruth and Tommy. As they grow up, they uncover unsettling truths about their purpose as organ donors, deal with complex emotions and relationships, and face the inevitable fate designed for them by society. Themes in the book include human cloning and organ harvesting.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro is lauded for its poignant and thought-provoking narrative, exploring themes of humanity, memory, and identity within a dystopian setting. However, some readers find the pace slow and certain elements predictable. Overall, Ishiguro's evocative prose and deep character development create a compelling and haunting read.

Fans of literary fiction and dystopian narratives will appreciate Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Readers who enjoy exploring ethical dilemmas and human relationships in speculative settings, akin to Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World or Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, will find this novel profoundly engaging.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Mysterious

Kazuo Ishiguro

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Never Let Me Go Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Never Let Me Go Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-9

Never Let Me Go Part 1, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-13

Never Let Me Go Part 2, Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 14-17

Never Let Me Go Part 2, Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 18-20

Never Let Me Go Part 3, Chapters 18-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 21-23

Never Let Me Go Part 3, Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Never Let Me Go Character Analysis

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Themes

Never Let Me Go Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Never Let Me Go Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Never Let Me Go Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Never Let Me Go Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Never Let Me Go Book Club Questions

Quiz

Never Let Me Go Quiz

Never Let Me Go

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