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

- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro was shortlisted for the 2005 Booker Prize and was named one of TIME magazine's 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to 2005.
- Besides its literary acclaim, Never Let Me Go was adapted into a feature film in 2010, directed by Mark Romanek and starring Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley.
- Kazuo Ishiguro has mentioned that the book was partly inspired by his interest in science fiction and dystopian themes, exploring moral and ethical issues in a subtly futuristic setting.

**Kathy**  
Kathy is the protagonist and narrator of the novel *Never Let Me Go*. She reflects on her life, especially her relationships with her childhood friends Tommy and Ruth, while searching for understanding in her past. Kathy is a carer, tending to a difficult past as she recalls her memories of Hailsham and her friends.

**Tommy**  
Tommy is a student at Hailsham and a clone, known for his anger issues as a child due to bullying. With Kathy and Miss Lucy's help, he manages his anger but struggles with creativity. He bonds with Kathy over speculative theories about their situation and shares a complex relationship with Ruth, leading to tensions and a missed connection with Kathy.

**Ruth**  
Ruth is Kathy's best friend and Tommy's romantic partner, known for her charisma and scheming nature. She navigates her relationships through manipulation and fear of loneliness, sometimes causing hurt to both Kathy and Tommy. Despite her actions, Ruth is driven by a desire for approval and love from those around her.

**Madame**  
Madame is a cold, stern figure who visits Hailsham to collect students' art for a Gallery, taking only the best works. Although she appears detached, she is an advocate for the rights of clones and deeply troubled by her failure to secure their recognition.

**Miss Emily**  
Miss Emily is the head guardian at Hailsham, respected by students for her fairness despite a fearsome presence. She runs Hailsham as an experiment to highlight clones' humanity, but ultimately faces disappointment and financial ruin after failing to change societal perceptions.

**Miss Lucy**  
Miss Lucy is a guardian at Hailsham who believes in being truthful with the students about their futures. Her candidness clashes with Miss Emily's philosophy, leading to her departure. She significantly impacts Tommy's life by helping him manage his anger.

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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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Never Let Me Go Character Analysis

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Never Let Me Go

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