Just In Case We Die discussion
Episode 5: Never Let Me Go
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I just completed Never Let Me Go, on Audible, binge listening through the weekend, and the book definitely didn’t disappoint. While I hesitate to say I loved it (it’s not one I would read multiple times over), I definitely feel that this is a book everyone should read (5 stars). I was shocked to find out that these seemingly normal people would be harvested as their purpose in society. Throughout the book, Hailsham was referred to in the past tense, as it had been closed down, and toward the end we discover that it was a grand experiment, and we learn that there are other centers in the country. This brings into question, for me, what existence must be like for the others who were not fortunate enough to have the Hailsham experience. I believe when Ruth goes in search of her “Possible” there is a statement about them coming from addicts, thieves, etc. or the dregs of society. My inference is that the other centers are run much like a cattle farm, with only minimal investment in the inhabitants. The thought that society has deemed this treatment of any human being regardless of their origins, as acceptable, is deeply disturbing on many levels, and I can draw parallels to several historical events that have touched on such treatment. I find it heartening that Hailsham has created a sense of hope in so many carers and donors with the possibility, albeit only fictional, of a deferral, showing the humanity present in these people. As we get to know the personalities of Ruth, Cathy, and Tommy, we can clearly see many of the qualities that make us all human, and this illustration of our commonalities in spite of differing origins and experiences has applications in today’s society.
Very excited to read more by this author, Klara and the Sun is on my “to be read soon” list!
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Just finished the book. Haven’t listened to the pod yet, but wow. This book was soo fascinating. The last few chapters really hit hard especially the meeting with Madame and Miss Emily. Some quick thoughts I have before I forget them:
What really was the deal with Norfolk and Miss Emily or Lucy? I can’t remember which guardian it was
The way the guardians would mention donations to the children but bury it with some other more exciting discussion is interesting. The hailsham guardians wanted the students to feel whole and human, but knew they still had to share details about their ultimate fate.
Another thing, the bit about the Cottages. I’m guessing this was something particular about Hailsham and the other two schools mentioned as being different. I wonder what purpose it served other than to give these students a chance to feel like independent-ish adults.
Another thought about the whole scene with Kathy and Tommy at Madame’s house with Miss Emily. Both women talk about truly caring for the students and wanting to convince others about their worth, but ultimately they push them aside because a piece of furniture has to be watched while movers take it. In the end, even if they claim to think of the students as truly human, they prioritize a piece of furniture over them.
A couple of things to be aware of, if you haven't listened to the episode yet: 1) Our next book is one of my favorite novels, handpicked by me to honor the passing of one of my favorite novelists-- "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy 2) We decided to start picking books two months in advance (on the off chance that we might randomly end up with a 1,000 page doorstopper with only one month to read it. The book we selected at the end of the new episode is "The Book of Daniel" by E. L. Doctorow.
So... The episode for "Never Let Me Go" dropped today. We'll be reading "Blood Meridian" for August. We'll read "The Book of Daniel" for September. Our book for October will be picked randomly at the end of August's episode. Are we following this? It seems kind of confusing when I type it all out :-)