Rating: 5 stars
I've been warned that Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro was going to be a sad story, and it definitely lived up to that expectation that was set up for me. It was one of those books that will stay with you long after you're done reading it. It was bleak and atmospheric. Personally, it literally haunted me in my dreams and admittedly affected me the day when I finished it.
I felt this way after reading Burial Rites last year too. It haunted me and stayed with me. It must be the atmosphere behind this that makes this book stick. Combine that with Ishiguro's effortless prose and it's especially difficult not to love it. It never seems as if he is trying so hard to write beautifully too, which is always a plus; he just does.
Overall, I do not think it is for everyone, but I do highly recommend this is you want a unique story with creative settings and characters, paired with gorgeous writing. It's a simple and beautiful book. It is honest and unflinching. As my first book by Ishiguro, this has turned me into his fan.
Jillian, I have so many amazing things about this novel; I really enjoyed Burial Rites and had some of the same feelings you've mentioned. I may have to check this one out! Sounds like it might be a great winter book; I tend to be a little more melancholy then - ha! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it would be a fantastic winter book!
Delete*sigh* Seeing your review makes me want to go back and experience this one all over again. It's a favorite of mine. So haunting and beautiful and surprising.. Glad to hear you loved it, too!
ReplyDeleteYou said it! It is such an experience. I also saw the film and while it lacks a lot of the stuff the book has, but it shares the same atmosphere.
DeleteThis is one of those books that I've been meaning to read for an embarrassing amount of time. I really must make it a priority soon.
ReplyDeleteOh I loved Never Let Me Go too. What a haunting, creepy story! It seemed so real though. The movie of it is very good too.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really beautiful! I felt let down by the ending of Burial Rites - too predictable and related in an emotionless newspaper clipping - but I did love the atmospheric writing and think I'd enjoy that about this book too.
ReplyDelete