Loss

The novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro explores the theme of loss. This is illustrated mainly by the losses Kathy experiences and her reaction to these losses.

The theme of loss is hinted at even from the title. Never Let Me Go refers to the fear and reluctance to lose someone. It also reflects Kathy’s attitude. She never wants to let go and lose the people and places around her. 

Kathy clings to Hailsham even after she leaves. She tries to remain friends with both Tommy and Ruth despite how Ruth treats her, because she does not want to let either of them go. She also keeps her collection chest from Hailsham and all the mementos she has managed to gather for herself. In many ways, this points to Kathy's fear that she will experience a loss of identity, if she loses the memories of her past...