I really enjoyed it! I have a couple caveats before I recommend it to others though. First, I listened to the audiobook, which can be a different experience. I also came at the book as a fan of the mythic and the fantasy genre, rather than as a fan of Ishiguro’s other works (which I haven’t read–yet!)
Thanks, James. I’ve read a couple of his other books but I got the impression that this one was a departure from what he’d written previously. Will look out for it at the local bookstore!
It is a departure in terms of genre, but the writing style and themes are still quite similar. I got to see Ishiguro speak shortly after the book was released, and he said that he was surprised at all of the comments and reviews calling this book a departure, because he had been worried about the opposite – that people would complain it was too similar to his other books.
I enjoyed it. It is not the first Ishiguro I would recommend if someone were starting with him, but if you’re already a fan it is definitely worth a read.
I’ve enjoyed all of them that I’ve read (An Artist of the Floating World, A Pale View of Hills, Remains of the Day, The Butied Giant, and Never Let Me Go). Of those, I would say that A Pale View of Hills, Remains of the Day, or Never Let Me Go would be the best starting points.
It is different in content but similar in narrative style and some of its themes. I would say if you want to give Ishiguro another try, you’d be better off with either A Pale View of Hills (it is a very short and quick read, so it’s lower commitment while still showcasing a lot of what his fans enjoy about him), or Remains of the Day (I think this one is his strongest book).
I have read it, didn’t like it at all. It was very dull – even for fantasy. I wish I’d read it before his other books, but even then I’m not sure I would’ve liked it any better.
Not yet. Looking forward to comments here.
I really enjoyed it! I have a couple caveats before I recommend it to others though. First, I listened to the audiobook, which can be a different experience. I also came at the book as a fan of the mythic and the fantasy genre, rather than as a fan of Ishiguro’s other works (which I haven’t read–yet!)
Thanks, James. I’ve read a couple of his other books but I got the impression that this one was a departure from what he’d written previously. Will look out for it at the local bookstore!
It is a departure in terms of genre, but the writing style and themes are still quite similar. I got to see Ishiguro speak shortly after the book was released, and he said that he was surprised at all of the comments and reviews calling this book a departure, because he had been worried about the opposite – that people would complain it was too similar to his other books.
I liked the first 3/4…I think I might have missed the point ?
I enjoyed it
I enjoyed it. It is not the first Ishiguro I would recommend if someone were starting with him, but if you’re already a fan it is definitely worth a read.
Thanks, McLean. Which of his other books did you enjoy?
I’ve enjoyed all of them that I’ve read (An Artist of the Floating World, A Pale View of Hills, Remains of the Day, The Butied Giant, and Never Let Me Go). Of those, I would say that A Pale View of Hills, Remains of the Day, or Never Let Me Go would be the best starting points.
I wasn’t thrilled by NEVER LET ME GO… should I bother with THE BURIED GIANT?
It is different in content but similar in narrative style and some of its themes. I would say if you want to give Ishiguro another try, you’d be better off with either A Pale View of Hills (it is a very short and quick read, so it’s lower commitment while still showcasing a lot of what his fans enjoy about him), or Remains of the Day (I think this one is his strongest book).
I really enjoyed Remains of the Day
I have read it, didn’t like it at all. It was very dull – even for fantasy. I wish I’d read it before his other books, but even then I’m not sure I would’ve liked it any better.
I loved it. It’s on my list of books to reread.
I liked it quite a bit. But I love Beowulf and fairy tales.
I loved it was the first book of his I read very creative story line
I loved the First Half – then it was less satisfying. Lovely writing. Remains of the Day: one of my favorite movies.
I have…what an imagination and understanding of the human condition this man has. And, THEN, to write the telling so exquisitely! <3
A complete and utter disappointment, considering how much I like Never Let Me Go. Boring story, boring characters and bad dialogue.