Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

I saw the movie before reading the book, but I wasn't paying much attention and can't remember anything after they're at the cottages.

Which I was in so glad I checked out the book at a local library. I was looking for Remains of the Day, which turned out to be lost, but settled on this as I liked the movie. Roger Ebert called the novel "masterful" in his film review, so I looked forward to the experience.

This was an excellent novel. What I love is that while it is ostensibly a science fiction novel about human clones being bred to harvest organs, it focuses on the personal level and doesn't let that troubling future get in the way of our three main character's lives. It is only at the end that the cloning framework is given discussion.

This is a very emotional novel. It is about love, the love three people have for each throughout their lives no matter their situation or ultimate fate. They in a way practice Nietzsche's amor fatis (love of fate). It is interesting how little they dread their fate as organ donors, on a predetermined path. There is no mention of any of the Hailsham children trying to escape. It all feels like the lives of normal children.

And that is the point. By the end, you'll realize that these three are truly human. But with the ultimate knowledge of why they're here and what they're here for. With all that, they still manage to love. In part thanks to Hailsham where they were given a chance in life and were encouraged to reach their potential. They were all three very fortunate to be alive when and where they were. Their guardians really did care about them.

I really identity with Tommy. He has a big heart, but also a deep rage at his own existence. It's because deep down, he knows what's what. Knowledge brings that sadness. People who know me, especially early in life, see how creative and passionate I can be. But also how I rage in despair at the smallest things. Or at nothing at all. I just cannot forget, the feeling I came into the world with.

But love is what makes it all work. I loved this book.

“He who loves God cannot strive that God should love him in return"
-Baruch Spinoza