Overall Summary of Never Let Me Go
Never Let Me Go summary follows the life of Kathy H., a clone raised at Hailsham boarding school in a dystopian England. The story, written by Kazuo Ishiguro, unfolds through Kathy's memories as she works as a "carer" for other clones who are donating their organs. The narrative explores themes of friendship, identity, and mortality through her relationships with her best friends Ruth and Tommy.
Definition: Carers are clones who support other clones through their organ donations before becoming donors themselves.
The novel is structured in three distinct parts: life at Hailsham boarding school, time at the Cottages, and experiences at recovery centers. Throughout these phases, we witness the complex dynamics between the main characters as they gradually discover their predetermined fate as organ donors.
At Hailsham, creativity and art hold special significance, though the students don't initially understand why. The mysterious Madame collects their best artwork for a gallery, later revealed as an attempt to prove the clones' humanity. The story particularly focuses on Tommy's struggles with creativity and the complicated friendship triangle between Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy.
Highlight: The title "Never Let Me Go" comes from a song Kathy cherishes, which becomes a powerful symbol of loss and longing throughout the narrative.