⚠️ Warning: This blog post contains spoilers. Read at your own discretion.
Hi, wholesome reader!
I started reading this book in mid-July and finished it two weeks later. At first, I was too confused at the events that have unfolded, as I don't usually read the synopsis to add a little element of surprise.
I had no idea at all what the plot was at that time. As I got desperate to know to understand what I was reading, I decided to read the synopsis and bam, that's when things finally made sense to me.
I don't know if my brain cells were dying at that time, or the writing in the first part of the book was really just that confusing. Or, it might be a combination of the two lol. Nonetheless, I find this book a unique dystopian novel that honestly made me reflect with my own life.
To tell you shortly about the story – the narrator, named Kathy, probably middle-aged, began by recalling her memories of her childhood friends Tommy and Ruth. They went to an exclusive boarding school named Hailsham.
As she reminisced their adventures, the story revealed that they aren't just ordinary students; they are clones created with the sole purpose of donating their organs once they become adults. The concept is a bit familiar but at the same time, it is eerily alien, right?
After reading the book, these are my key takeaways.
Exploring the Question "What does it mean to be human?" The quest of the characters for their identity is the key element in answering the question what it really means to be human. With their fate already predetermined for them, they somehow struggle to get a grip of their sense of self. But looking back at Hailsham, they realized how they were encouraged to make art and write to express their individuality and creativity.
Friendships and Relationships. Although they are clones, this book explores the complexities of human friendships and relationships. The friendship of Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth are specifically moving, as they navigate their own fate together, forming bonds that become a source of their comfort. It is truly human nature to form relationships with one another.
The Significant Role of Memory. Throughout the novel, the characters' relationships are deeply intertwined with themes of memory and regret. Kathy tells the story seemingly with a sense of longing and sadness. However, she held on to their memories from Hailsham to remind herself of the unique path they needed to take in life and how this has affected their decisions.
Societal Expectations vs Personal Goals. I really felt the characters' struggles between what they are meant to do versus what they actually want to be in life. As they already have predestined roles as clones, it is pointless to dream of a life they want. That, alone, was heartbreaking to read in a book.
After reading this novel, it made me think of the distant future. With the advancement of technology, this is really possible – breeding clones for organ donations. Or who knows, maybe this is already existing somewhere in the world. But to think of it – to create humans just for them to donate their organs and eventually die, what would this tell about the humanity in that world by then?
Thank you for reading my post up to this point. I hope you have a great time ahead!
I'll take delight in writing for you again soon.
Love,
Sam ♡
Hello, in case you have not read my intro post, my name is Samantha. You may call me Sam for short. I am from Cebu, a beautiful island in the Philippines. I created this space in an attempt to put all the good things in one place, thus, my blog name @wholesamdiaries.
If you wish to show appreciation; an upvote, comment, reblog and/or follow is the way! Thank you once again and see you around! ♡
