Friday, November 19, 2010

This Book Never Let Me Go (to Sleep)


I finished this one awhile ago, and again, I am finding it hard to find a book that compares (I am about to start Douglas Coupland's Massey Lectures though, so I am sure that will change).
Never Let Me Go has been made into a movie, so like the true literary snob that I am, I had to read the book first before I could allow myself to darken the theatre doors. And I am glad I did. Word on the street is they have changed the plot of the movie to make it more "intriguing" to viewers from the start. But I think that may lose the plot's charm. 


Never Let Me Go (Movie Tie-In Edition) (Vintage International)Kazuo Ishiguro's novel's very structure makes it impossible to put down. He begins each chapter alluding to a nugget of plot he intends to release, but fails to do so through the entirety of the chapter. Then he reveals HALF of it at the end - forcing you to read on. And by no means does he have to push hard - the novel is such an intriguing look at adolescence - it looks at the way in which our relationship to our peers and authority forms our identity - what an awesome book! The sci-fi part of the novel is secondary to the character development, but provides such a great background for the interactions between characters.


And can I say? The thing I love most about this novel is that it does not have a happy ending.
I cannot say more... lest I spoil the fun.


This one comes with a high recommendation, but with a warning of some adult themes and material.




Just Finished - Nothing (bit of a dry spell....I have been playing a lot of Sudoku...)
Currently Reading - Player One by Douglas Coupland
Next Up - ???