Cinnamon Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 Sorry,forgot to start this discussion at the beginning of the month We are chatting about 'Never let me go' by Kazuo Ishiguro.Sadly I was not able to read it,but did read another book by the same author, so look forward to any comments. The next book is 'Fly in the ointment' by Anne Fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I read this a couple of years ago. Although it was very odd and disturbing, and not my usual sort of read I found it strangely compelling and had to finish it. Not at all uplifting or cheerful, but a definite warning for the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I'm sorry I haven't been able to read this book. I have just ordered this month's book though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I read it - I found it very odd at first but still a fascinating - and dare I say it - lovely, book to read. The children knew their 'purpose' in life and accepted it, which was very disturbing but at the same time...I can't quite find the right word for it. They were so "Ooops, word censored!"le and accepting about it that it just goes to show that if you have faith in something (in their case that it was the right thing to do?), it will see you through. But on the other side of the coin it could be seen as chilling that they were brought up for that purpose - or even brought into the world for that very end. But it does seem like this could easily become reality? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I've just read a synopsis of it on play.com. Is it where they are born for spare parts? It sounds very like a book I read ages ago but I'm not sure, I didn't finish the book for some reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I read this a couple of years ago. Although it was very odd and disturbing, and not my usual sort of read I found it strangely compelling and had to finish it. Not at all uplifting or cheerful, but a definite warning for the future. I couldn't agree more! I couldn't put this one down. I have re-read 'Never let me go' several times and it leaves me un-nerved every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 I tried to read this last year and couldn't finish it. I think I found the subject matter a bit too disturbing. I will give it a go again in the future. I don't like to give up on books. The only exception to this rule is a Dean Koontz one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 This book was my choice. I find the book disturbing and sad but beautifully written and impossible to put down. It feels like there are many layers of messages in it. I find it very sad that the clones are these shadowy people on the edges of society. They are there but rarely interact with anyone not like them with the exception of the guardians when they are young and doctors & nurses when they are older. Their dreams are only to be like normal people. Kazuo Ishiguro writes from the perspective of a 31yr old woman, he is very believable except I do think a woman would have explored the idea that the clones couldn’t have children themselves more. I found Kathy and Tommy's surprise that anyone could doubt they have souls poignant for who could doubt it ? As someone with an identical twin I have always read the news articles on the ethics of cloning from a different perspective and cannot see how anyone can ever doubt that a clone is a separate sentient being that just happens to have similar characteristics to the original. I wonder if that is why I am against the idea particularly for medicine and I worry scientists won't know when to stop ? It makes me sad when I read about parents who have lost a much loved child who want to clone their child rather than have another baby. But cloning would not get them the lost child back nor does it give the child a second chance at life as they sometimes seem to believe - it creates another child. That said there is something slightly unnerving about knowing you are the perfect potential kidney donor to someone else. When I had pre-eclampsia with my second child and it was badly affecting my kidneys mixed up with the hope I could hold on long enough to give my baby its best chance was a feeling of guilt that if my kidneys were permanently damaged I was putting my sister into a difficult position. I couldn't decide if I was relieved or not that the thought seemed not to have occurred to her. Fortunately I recovered without a problem so it didn't arise. I cannot understand siblings who refuse living donations to their siblings that could save their lives but maybe that is because I have always known, from before I understood what it meant exactly, that if it was needed I would have to do that and so I understand to some extent why in the book the clones always accept that is what they must do despite knowing it will kill them. Oops longer and deeper than I'd intended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Patricia - that is really interesting, thanks for sharing your thoughts and your special perspective on the subject. I recommend that anyone who has not read this book gives it a go as it really is thought-provoking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Thanks too Patricia. I think I will defintely give it another try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...