Friday 21 October 2011

Friday Recommends #5

I simply can't believe that it is Friday again already - these days are disappearing before I even know what to do with them at the moment. Friday is an exciting day though, because it means another exciting opportunity for me to share my recommendations with my readers!
This week I have chosen another of my all-time favourites!


Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Waterstone's synopsis:

In one of the most acclaimed and strange novels of recent years, Kazuo Ishiguro imagines the lives of a group of students growing up in a darkly skewered version of contemporary England. Narrated by Kathy, now 31, "Never Let Me Go" hauntingly dramatises her attempts to come to terms with her childhood at the seemingly idyllic Hailsham School, and with the fate that has always awaited her and her closest friends in the wider world. A story of love, friendship and memory, "Never Let Me Go" is charged throughout with a sense of the fragility of life.

Never Let Me Go is a beautifully moving and captivating novel that truly allows the reader to consider what it means to be human.
The novel's main character, Kathy, who is now 31 years old, is the reader's guide through her dark and terrifying alternate and twisted England. This gives the reader the opportunity to see into her mind as she displays her most personal thoughts and emotions while she reminisces about her childhood, and later the evens that happened because of her and her friend's bizarre, and particularly cruel upbringing.
As the reader watches the events of Kathy's life unfold through her eyes, we begin to see the horrific truth behind the events in the lives of these 'students'.

I have never known a novel to move me quite like Never Let Me Go did - and equally, a novel has never quite stuck in my mind like this one did. Although it portrays an alternate version of England, it made me think about the society that we do live in - what we take for granted, when perhaps we shouldn't, and the things that we should appreciate more.
An absolutely gripping read from the first page to the very last, and one that, if enjoyed, I guarantee will stay with you for a very long time!


Not only do I recommend reading the book, but I also recommend watching the film adaptation after you have finished reading. It is not very often that I would recommend an adaptation of one of my favourite novels, but I feel that this film got it absolutely spot on!

You can also currently win yourself a copy of Never Let Me Go with my 200 follower giveaway! Entries are open until 22:00 GMT on Monday, October 24th.
Click here to go to the giveaway page.

22 comments:

Chocolate Chunky Munkie said...

I bought the film the other day. Glad you recommend it Dani :D

Jen xx

Dani Cotton said...

Have you watched it then, Jen? It's a good one isn't it? I wasn't disappointed, and I fully expected be!! :) xxx

sam1978 said...

I am still not sure about this book!!!

Dani Cotton said...

Have you read it Sam? If you haven't, I really urge you to try! xxx

mimz said...

I absolutely loved this book. I picked it for a school assignment last year and to be honest I didn't expect to like it, I just assumed it would be the "lesser evil" from all the books provided. But I'm so glad I was wrong, it was just brilliant. I have yet to see the film, though.

Imel Cullen said...

I love this book, When I Was read this book, I'm cry...

Veronika said...

I haven't read the book yet, but I watched the movie and I absolutely loved it! It was so beautiful I cried like a child :) Thank you for the review!

Christina said...

Hmm, I tried to read this one a few years back and couldn't get into it. I bought a copy, though, and really want to finish, because I love dystopias and must know. I hope I come to love it as much as you do.

ZaraAlexis said...

I haven't yet had the opportunity to read this book yet, though it's already on my bookshelf! So many wonderful books to get through. And yes, I agree with you. It's very seldom that a movie adaptation does justice to its originating novel. But, the film was a hauntingly beautiful and travesty. I hope to read the book and watch the film again.

Thanks for sharing.
Zara D. Garcia-Alvarez
Email: zgarcia(dot)alvarez(at)gmail(dot)com
On Twitter: @ZaraAlexis

Susan said...

I really liked this one. It makes think of how selfhish people can be. I hope this remains always just a fiction.

Reviewing Shelf said...

I am glad you liked this book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Looking forward to the movie though.

Life's Simple Pleasures said...

I actually watched the movie because of Keira Knightley, LOVE HER! I feel it's like an olden day The Island. I did find the movie pretty slow at times but it was nice nonetheless. I haven't read the book yet but have read some good reviews, including this one so THANKS!

Eva E. said...

Awww.. that's great. I saw the film months ago. I thought it was really good. I cried so much. I might as well read the novel too.

Unknown said...

This book sound like it is very interesting, I love romance, but I think my daughter would get more into this book than I would because of all the twists & turns & she's into horror more than I am, but if it has enough romance/drama I would dive right into it.
Thanks for the review.

Diana_Dimovska said...

I usually like reading the book before watching the movie, but I discovered the book too late :/ I would definitely search for it, I think it would be far more magnificent than the movie. Thanks for revealing it to me. :)

Unknown said...

This book is amazing. I read the book and watched the movie, but still I prefer the book than the movie. This is a bitter story but beautiful at the same time. So sad but sweet.

Thank u for the review. Great review :)

Kiara said...

I have to read this book! I saw the movie without knowing it was based on this beautiful novel.

Thank you for this review ♥

Tanja - Tanychy said...

Great review! :) I've read this book and saw the movie! :) I like them!! :)

Stephanie said...

This book sounds really good, I love books that move you and make you think. Thanks for the review!

Jaime Lester said...

The cover of this one would probably not grab my attention, but if I took the chance and read the synopsis, I think I might bring this one home with me. It leaves so much to the imagination, and I love the mystery that presents. Thanks for the great review.

Gigi said...

I watched the film adaptation, now I need to read the book, ASAP! Amazing review, thanks for sharing!

caroline.taylor078 said...

I actually saw the film of this before reading the book so I did things the wrong way around although I really enjoyed both, infact I actually cried at the film.

Post a Comment

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog - it is always appreciated!

 
Blog design installed by Sweet Dreams Design