Chapter summaries part 3

Chapter 18

In the third part of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Never Let Me Go, Kathy confesses that she enjoys being a carer. She says that it is not for everyone, especially since it is a lonely and frustrating job, and that others become depressed quickly and ask to stop and become donors. 

One day, Kathy meets Laura, one of her best friends from Hailsham. Laura, who is also a carer, tells Kathy that Ruth’s first donation went badly and then suggests that Kathy could become Ruth’s carer. At first, Kathy says that this is not a good idea. Then Laura and Kathy start talking about Hailsham closing down. Kathy mentions that this upsets her, as it feels as if she and the others are not connected anymore.

After her meeting with Laura, Kathy decides to become Ruth’s carer. At first, things are going well, but there is tension between them, because they never address their past issues. The tension grows and grows, especially when Kathy realizes that Ruth does not trust her. Kathy is ready to quit being Ruth’s carer, but then Ruth mentions a boat she would like to see. Kathy suggests bringing Tommy along. Ruth agrees, adding that the two had drifted apart during their last months at the Cottages and have not seen each other since.

Chapter 19

Kathy and Ruth drive to pick up Tommy on their way to see the boat. When they get there, Ruth panics and tells Kathy they should not get out of the car. Still, Kathy does and Tommy hugs her. During the drive, Kathy interrupts Ruth who is talking about someone they do not know, and Tommy takes Kathy’s side. Ruth does not say that she is upset, but the atmosphere grows tense. 

They stop to sit on a tree trunk and look at the boat. They talk about Hailsham being abandoned, then Ruth mentions Chrissie, who died after her second donation. She adds that Kathy cannot understand, since she is still a carer.

On their way back, Kathy shows them a poster of an office and reminds Ruth of her dream of working in an office. Kathy and Tommy tell Ruth she should have tried harder to see if she would be allowed to after leaving the Cottages. When Kathy mentions that she could have gone to Madame, Ruth asks Kathy to forgive her for what she did at the Cottages. She says that...