"I was talking to one of my donors a few days ago who was complaining about how memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly." (Page 286)
While wondering which literary term to squeeze in at the end, I decided on explication. I have been using it this entire time to interpret this book! It's so obvious. I don't know if I will finish this on time, but please forgive me. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I was so confused throughout. What the heck was going on with the clones. I really didn't know anything coming into the story, and I had to utilize my skills of explication to decipher this lifestyle that was so contrary to my own. I was happy for those three characters who plagued my thoughts throughout the book, but I am glad to be rid of them. Amen! Allelujah!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
What I did for Love...
"The figure in the wheelchair was frail and contorted, and it was the voice more than anything that helped me recognise her." (Page 255)
Tommy and Kathy finally decided to get their deferral. However, their theory was a bit off-base. This sudden emergence of Miss Emily makes me pause and wonder how she came back into their lives. But it doesn't really matter, does it? She is there, and her presence will be explained shortly. I can only assume she is going to reveal all of the secrets from Hailsham. Appropriately, the word "sham" resides in the name of their school. Was it all a sham? No. They had to live their lives a certain way because of that school, and they didn't get to experience some of the things I take for granted in my life because of that school and their cloning process. These poor people. I am not in any way jealous of their circumstances.
Tommy and Kathy finally decided to get their deferral. However, their theory was a bit off-base. This sudden emergence of Miss Emily makes me pause and wonder how she came back into their lives. But it doesn't really matter, does it? She is there, and her presence will be explained shortly. I can only assume she is going to reveal all of the secrets from Hailsham. Appropriately, the word "sham" resides in the name of their school. Was it all a sham? No. They had to live their lives a certain way because of that school, and they didn't get to experience some of the things I take for granted in my life because of that school and their cloning process. These poor people. I am not in any way jealous of their circumstances.
Life goes on...
"I first turned up at Ruth's recovery centre in Dover - the modern one with the white tiled walls - just a few weeks after that talk with Laura." (Page 214)
So Ruth become overbearing. Sarcasm alert. Who would have guessed? Laura apparently didn't remain fond of her after Kathy became a carer. I had been anxious to see how Kathy would embrace her new life as a carer, and I was not disappointed. She eased into it because of her sudden distance from Ruth and Tommy. Her conversation with Laura intrigued me because they discussed Ruth, and I was wary of how that would play out. However, their old foibles basically died away with the years, and Kathy finally got a bit of closure. I still don't like Ruth much, but I'm beginning to understand how things don't matter as much at the end of your life.
So Ruth become overbearing. Sarcasm alert. Who would have guessed? Laura apparently didn't remain fond of her after Kathy became a carer. I had been anxious to see how Kathy would embrace her new life as a carer, and I was not disappointed. She eased into it because of her sudden distance from Ruth and Tommy. Her conversation with Laura intrigued me because they discussed Ruth, and I was wary of how that would play out. However, their old foibles basically died away with the years, and Kathy finally got a bit of closure. I still don't like Ruth much, but I'm beginning to understand how things don't matter as much at the end of your life.
Thank you, Jesus!
"But the fact was, I suppose, there were powerful tides tugging us apart by then, and it only needed something like that to finish the task." (Page 197)
YES! Finally, the truth comes out! I was getting very annoyed by the dysfunctional relationship between these three. They were always pretending to be little besties, but I knew it wouldn't last. I only wonder right now: how will these three get back together? Through Kathy and her carer career, I assume. But will they repair this rift between them? Only time will tell. Unfortunately, I am running out of time, so I must continue reading. This book is actually good.
YES! Finally, the truth comes out! I was getting very annoyed by the dysfunctional relationship between these three. They were always pretending to be little besties, but I knew it wouldn't last. I only wonder right now: how will these three get back together? Through Kathy and her carer career, I assume. But will they repair this rift between them? Only time will tell. Unfortunately, I am running out of time, so I must continue reading. This book is actually good.
She's a Psycho!
"It's not just me, sweety. Kathy here finds your animals a complete hoot." (Page 194)
I am so fed up with Ruth! She is so crazy! She has gotten to the point where she just manipulates people to get what she wants. I practically want to wring her neck every time she talks to Kathy or Tommy. She's one of those people that doesn't say when they are upset but makes everyone else's life horrible to compensate for their bad mood. She is currently discussing Tommy's animals with Kathy while Tommy listens, and she is making them a huge joke even though they are his lifeline to the life he secretly wants to spend with Kathy.
Tommy's theory about the significance of the Gallery and Madame's role in allowing them to have three extra years of joy is a big deal to him, and I think there is some substance to it. Of course, it could be a total load of manure, but Ishiguro wouldn't spend so much time on it if it wasn't going to be important later. Once again, my theories are running rampant in my brain. What is going to happen?
I am so fed up with Ruth! She is so crazy! She has gotten to the point where she just manipulates people to get what she wants. I practically want to wring her neck every time she talks to Kathy or Tommy. She's one of those people that doesn't say when they are upset but makes everyone else's life horrible to compensate for their bad mood. She is currently discussing Tommy's animals with Kathy while Tommy listens, and she is making them a huge joke even though they are his lifeline to the life he secretly wants to spend with Kathy.
Tommy's theory about the significance of the Gallery and Madame's role in allowing them to have three extra years of joy is a big deal to him, and I think there is some substance to it. Of course, it could be a total load of manure, but Ishiguro wouldn't spend so much time on it if it wasn't going to be important later. Once again, my theories are running rampant in my brain. What is going to happen?
Hopelessly Devoted to You
"Back then, when you lost it, I used to think about it, in my head, what it would be like, if I found it and brought it to you." (Page 173)
I've decided. Tommy loves Kathy. He just won't admit it to her because he knows they could never have a future together. Immediately, this song popped into my head. Enjoy!
Of course, I realize that Tommy's case is not as extreme as Olivia Newton John's, but I still think the sentiment is there. I think Tommy has loved her for a while, but he never said anything because he thought she would not return the affection. Ruth is just a placeholder in his life to fill the void he harbors for Kathy. Ruth is a little Miss Meanie Pants anyway, but she must end up a good person, because Kathy tolerates her later in life. Come to think of it, Kathy is a bit of a push-over, so she might not care when Ruth re-enters her life after her donations. She might just enjoy the company of an old friend. I hope Tommy says something about his love to Kathy soon. But this could all be my romantic's heart playing tricks on my brain.
I've decided. Tommy loves Kathy. He just won't admit it to her because he knows they could never have a future together. Immediately, this song popped into my head. Enjoy!
Of course, I realize that Tommy's case is not as extreme as Olivia Newton John's, but I still think the sentiment is there. I think Tommy has loved her for a while, but he never said anything because he thought she would not return the affection. Ruth is just a placeholder in his life to fill the void he harbors for Kathy. Ruth is a little Miss Meanie Pants anyway, but she must end up a good person, because Kathy tolerates her later in life. Come to think of it, Kathy is a bit of a push-over, so she might not care when Ruth re-enters her life after her donations. She might just enjoy the company of an old friend. I hope Tommy says something about his love to Kathy soon. But this could all be my romantic's heart playing tricks on my brain.
Take Me To Your Leader
"They reckon this person's a possible. For me." (Page 139)
Wait, what?!?! These people are clones?! Is this some fictitious, alien movie that you watch when you are ridiculously bored? I pretty much figured that these kids came into the world in an odd fashion, but I was not expecting the clone curve ball. Not at all. I guess I can admit it's a cool idea, cloning, but I was still clinging to the idea that this book was a little bit normal in some ways. Nope. That ship has sailed. These kids are destined to a dead-end life. I'm reminded of a Meg Cabot book I read once called Runaway. A company called Stark Industries (yes, I realize this is also the name of the main character's company in Iron Man) uses the bodies of mysteriously missing young adults to be the houses of old, wealthy people's brains so that said old people can live another lifetime. It's disgusting, and it isn't exactly the same as the case in this book, but I was reminded of it all the same.
Basically, at this point I am a little skeptical of the future of this book, but I am intrigued to say the least. Read on...
Wait, what?!?! These people are clones?! Is this some fictitious, alien movie that you watch when you are ridiculously bored? I pretty much figured that these kids came into the world in an odd fashion, but I was not expecting the clone curve ball. Not at all. I guess I can admit it's a cool idea, cloning, but I was still clinging to the idea that this book was a little bit normal in some ways. Nope. That ship has sailed. These kids are destined to a dead-end life. I'm reminded of a Meg Cabot book I read once called Runaway. A company called Stark Industries (yes, I realize this is also the name of the main character's company in Iron Man) uses the bodies of mysteriously missing young adults to be the houses of old, wealthy people's brains so that said old people can live another lifetime. It's disgusting, and it isn't exactly the same as the case in this book, but I was reminded of it all the same.
Basically, at this point I am a little skeptical of the future of this book, but I am intrigued to say the least. Read on...
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