This book by Kazuo Ishiguro is based on a very unusual idea, which I can't really explain without spoiling it!

The story in a nutshell is about three children, Kathy, Ruth & Tommy, who grew up together in the same English boarding school, named Hailsham. It follows their childhoods & their friendships but most of all explores a dark side to their lives at the boarding school and beyond.

Their time at Hailsham was awash with secrets and rumours and it is not until they are older that the full picture about their destiny comes to light. The children are educated to a high degree, well cared for and encouraged to express themselves artistically. They have all the normal lessons a child would, sports classes, writing etc but they are very protected and are told that they are meant for something special. This special reason for their lifestyle and their very existence is hard to dream up, and this is where Ishiguro's imagination really flourishes.

The story is narrated throughout by Kathy, who is now 33 years old and is trying to come to terms with her childhood and her life as it is now. It is a saddening tale but one which is filled with love, friendship, and most of all hope.

I found this book to be a well thought out piece of writing, which really considers the emotions experienced by both the children and their teachers. It is a very unusual story, unlike anything I have come across before really but one of the best things about it is that although in theory it is a very far fetched idea, Ishiguro manages to put it across in a completely believeable way. It will make you feel a mixture of emotions and you'll probably find it hard to put down!!