First and foremost do NOT read too much about this book - the less you know the better. This book accomplishes the remarkable challenge of presenting the reader with reading between the lines and you know the author is revealing something -- that something larger and mysterious is going on but -- if you just go along for the ride, you will find yourself immersed in the enjoyable story of three special young people - Kathy H., Tommy D., and Ruth - all of whom meet as students at an idyllic private school called Hailsham. Kathy H. is the narrator, now 31 years old, telling her story in hindsight. She recalls her student days at Hailsham fondly, filling her tale with numerous minor anecdotes about the most mundane affairs that slowly reveal the nature of the school and its students' place in the world. I am enjoying getting to know this lovely group of children that will remind you of yourself with all of their many experiences. Ishiguro creates a convincing vocabulary, milieu, and mythology for this setting and an eerie sense of the students having "been told and not told."
It is hard to say how I feel about this book. I loved the character development and could relate to so many of their school stories. It unfolds beautifully and the narration was so relaxing and easy to listen to. The story line was not my cup of tea and were it not for the wonderful characters, I would have turned it off long ago. I am glad I finished it but, it is only a borderline recommend due to the story line.
Rating: 4 Recommend
