“None of you will be film stars.”
You guys already know about my admitted dislike of the title of the current novel I’m reading, Never Let Me Go. I mentioned that in my preview last week.
And I’ve got to say that for the first 70-80 pages, I wasn’t impressed with this novel. The plot seemed to develop slowly, the young characters didn’t seem that interesting to me. In the back of my mind, I had already decided I probably wouldn’t like this book, even though many of you recommended it.
But, then, I came to this passage on page 81:
The problem, as I see it, is that you’ve been told and not told. You’ve been told, but none of you really understand, and I dare say, some people are quite happy to leave it that way. But I’m not. If you’re going to have decent lives, then you’ve got to know and know properly. None of you will go to America, none of you will be film stars. And none of you will be working in supermarkets as I heard some of you planning the other day. Your lives are set out for you.
Suddenly, I cared about these kids–the main characters in the story.
Those of you who have read these book, and even those who haven’t (or at least watched the movie), probably understand what the preceding passage means, what Miss Lucy is talking about. But I honestly had no idea what Ishiguro meant in the early part of the book when he referred to “donors” and “carers.”
Maybe I’m just dense. But after reading that passage, the sadness of the novel struck me. And, just like that, I was hooked.
For those of you who are like me, and know nothing about this story, I debated whether or not to explain that passage a little more. But it came as such a surprise to me, after 80 pages of trying to figure out what in the world was going on, that I don’t want to take that from you. I’ll let you discover that on your own.
But, like I said, most of you probably already know what the story is about anyway.
Ishiguro has written quite a powerful story here, haunting and sad–I’m impressed to this point at least.
Can’t wait to read more.
That was my take on it, too. I read this in a single day, while traveling. With nowhere to go and nothing else to do, I plowed through that first part and just kept going. That was 3-4 weeks ago. I still mull it over, and in fact, my husband and I had a hefty debate on the characters last night.
That’s the cool thing about what you’re doing because you probably would have never picked up that book if it weren’t for your goal of 101 books. I know it has happened to me with an occasional bookclub choice that I’m not thrilled about and I end up loving it. Can’t wait for your full review! Have I mentioned lately how much I enjoy reading your blog? : )
Thanks for the daily visit, KC!
One of the hardest things to do when talking about this book to other people is to describe anything that is going on within the book without spoiling the book. This book is a masterful example of subtlety in a novel. Ishiguro never explains what is going on in the world he created, there are just very small, subtle hints (such as the passage you mentioned) that explain what is really going on.
Keep going with the book, it will all make sense before much longer.
I agree. It’s hard to talk about this one without spoiling the plot. Not sure how I’ll manage that in the review.
One of my favorite activities used to be reading the little blurbs in the television guide and matching the succinctness of the blurb to my recollection of the actual movie or television drama. I discovered that there must be a clearinghouse for these blurbs and that they come in several sizes such that a one-liner is available if the two-liner doesn’t fit.
I have about the same response to discussions of plot in a novel. Except for puzzle-type books, such as mysteries, the plot of a novel is the least of my interests. I generally prefer to have a good summary, perhaps in the preface, so that I am aware of the plot of the novel and can concentrate on how well the author carries it out: how the themes are developed, how all elements of the novel integrate and serve to develop the narrative … things like that.
Let’s face it, Ishiguro’s general plot is nothing new, but his skill in writing the text makes it very interesting.
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That passage is a grabber! I can’t decide whether at first sight it’s instructive, chilling or reassuring.
I don’t want to tip anything off, but the further you get into the book, you’ll realize that it’s chilling.
I was the same as you, a bit bored but a little intrigued by the first part and then BOOM!!! Couldn’t put it down and loved every minute of it! It’s what so unique about Ishiguro, he’s slow and graceful in his treatment of plot and he makes you really think and feel for the characters. I’m really glad your liking it!
So far, not bad at all. Really different style of writing and a really interesting topic. Totally caught me off guard.
This has intrigued me for sure…I’m one of the few that have no idea what you’re talking about, but I don’t mind
I was the same way; I got to that chapter and thought “oh, THAT’s what this is about.” This is why Ishiguro is amazing.
you have successfully made me want to read this book now. the movie trailer you posted today plus reading this post.