Monday, May 09, 2005

Over the weekend

Kazuo Ishiguro's "Never let me go" touched me in a way I cannot describe. I suppose its normal to feel odd once you are through with a book - feel a vague sense of loss- but this left me pensive and morose. That isn't to say that I didn't like the book. Its lovely, and I think Ishiguro is one of the truly original writers of our times.

(Warning: spoiler ahead)


Growing up in what appears to be Malory Towers of sorts, Kathy, Ruth and Tommy slowly realise that something isn't quite right, that they are different. They are part of a cloning programme, and their sole purpose is to donate their vital organs once they come of age. Life then becomes a mute acceptance of their fates, a bleak existence until the inevitable end. And yet, there are moments, relationships, memories...Maybe that's how all life should be, accepting whatever comes your way would be the best way to live. The path of least resistance is perhaps the wisest.

3 comments:

Ahiri said...

Dear Div ,

The review is heartfelt and made a great read.

The book hints very subtly about what they are made for (not until the end) and a review should do justice by hiding it ever so subtly .All through it meanders through their lives - happiness , hostel fun , misunderstandings - "normal" emotions
while the question is only a deep ,ever-present undercurrent.To give away 'what they are made for ' would in a way rob the reader's joy .

Diviya said...

well, thats the purpose of a spoiler alert :). But thanks for the suggestion.

Ahiri said...

bleep i completely missed that . Sorry yakkow .