Over the hills and to the woods to Hailsham's Campus we go!

"Driving around the country now, I still see things that will remind me of Hailsham. I might pass the corner of a misty field, or see part of a large house in the distance as I come down the side of a valley, even a particular arrangement of poplar trees up on a hillside, and I'll think: "Maybe that's it! I've found it! This actually is Hailsham!" Then I see it's impossible and I go on driving, my thoughts drifting on elsewhere." Kathy page 6
Throughout the book Never Let Me Go one place remains the center of all controversy, nostalgia, and excitement: Hailsham School. From the beginning Hailsham is regarded as a conservatory for "special" students. The imagery used to describe it helps paint not only a vivid mental picture, but also takes the reader to a deeper emotional level. Hailsham is something of a paradox, much like it's students. It is described as elegantly beautiful; however, the reader gets the sense there is something almost ominous or frightening about it at the same time. It's prestigious grounds and quaint places to relax and play make it sound like a perfect oasis from the real world. At certain times though it almost seems like Hailsham is more like a castle dungeon used to lock away something special while barricading any harm that might come along. These conflicting images make Hailsham seem mysterious. This mystery matches that which surrounds the students themselves and their unique circumstances. It will be interesting to see if Hailsham ends up being the answer or a key clue to the mystery of these students' predicament or if it will only bring forth more questions.