"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, Never Let Me Go, is many things. It is a coming of age story, a romance, a mystery, a horror story, and a tear-jerker. It is a tale of deceptive simplicity that reveals emotional depth and resonance in its characters. But most importantly, it is well-told story that is enjoyable to read. Indeed, Never Let Me Go is a novel that doesn’t fit into a single genre. It’s not a surprise that the novel made Time Magazine’s All-TIME 100 Novels list.

Never Let Me Go is told through the reminiscing of Kathy, a student at an exclusive English private school named Hailsham. She and her fellow classmates are treated well, but as they grow older they come to realize that there is a secret which permeates their lives. By the time the secret is revealed, it is too late to save themselves. Set in a fictional England during the 1990s, Never Let Me Go takes place in a dystopian landscape.

Given the recent popularity of The Hunger Games trilogy, Never Let Me Go is an excellent choice for those wanting to read something similar. Even if dystopian literature is not your cup of tea, Never Let Me Go is an excellent novel for teens and adults. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves literature.

288 p.

Book review by Justin.

Soweto Gospel Choir’s “African Spirit”

There is a Psalm that says to "Make a joyful noise." I remember hearing this Psalm growing up, and the idea of a "joyful noise" has stuck with me. I can't think of a better description for the Soweto Gospel Choir and their album African Spirit. There is nothing timid about a gospel choir, even on CD, and I can only imagine how powerful this group must sound live.

The music combines South African gospel with spirituals, reggae, and American popular music. “Seteng Sediba” is a rousing opener in which I hear no Western harmony or melody, just fifty-plus thrilling voices with hand drums; in contrast, the album closer, “World in Union” includes Hollywood strings (and synthesizer?) and sounds like it could play over the end credits of The Lion King. Elsewhere, the reggae pulse of “Avulekile Amasango” appropriately segues into Bob Marley’s “One Love.”

Like the opening track, most of the songs use minimal or no instruments, and these were my favorite. These voices need no accompaniment, and I felt disappointed whenever a track began with an instrument other than a human voice, because this usually indicated a comparatively dull pop/R&B ballad (usually sung in English). Then, Bono shows up halfway through the disc for a rendition of U2's "One,” and the choir is pushed to the background. I don’t understand this, because there is such a distinct passion in the African songs and voices here that every other sound pales by comparison.

The Soweto Gospel Choir’s talents have not gone unrecognized. They have received awards worldwide, including two Grammy Awards, and they have performed with many popular musicians, so I guess that explains Bono. A few puzzling song choices aside, this is a rewarding introduction to South Africa’s music, and there is no missing the joy and intensity of these musicians, even for my Missouri ears.

Click on album cover or here to reserve a copy.

Review by David Hill.