Let's Talk About Kazuo Ishiguro

In which I talk about Kazuo Ishiguro . . .
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--Books Mentioned--
The Buried Giant: / the-buried-giant
A Pale View of Hills: / 28920.a_pale_view_of_h...
An Artist of the Floating World: / 28922.an_artist_of_the...
Nocturns: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall: / nocturnes
The Unconsoled: / 40117.the_unconsoled
When We Were Orphans: / 28923.when_we_were_orp...
Never Let Me Go: / 6334.never_let_me_go
The Remains of the Day: / 28921.the_remains_of_t...
--General links--
My website: www.katielumsde...
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Twitter: / katiejlumsden
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Email: [e-mail]

[@hyelimsong5171]

I’ve only read “Never Let Me Go”. I’ve cried so much while reading it and after finishing it. I also watched the movie with my mom and she hated it, which left me heartbroken. She said so many awful things about it that I was depressed for quite a long time. I loved everything about the book. But, in particular, I honestly adored his way of portraying all those intricate small tensed underlined emotions of characters as well as the relationships between them. Also, I’ll never forget some of the lines to the end. “That was the only time, as I stood there, looking at that strange rubbish, feeling the wind coming across those empty fields, that I started to imagine just a little fantasy thing, because this was Norfolk after all, and ......I was thinking about the rubbish, the flapping plastic in the branches, the shore-line of odd stuff caught along the fencing, and I half-closed my eyes and imagined this was the spot where everything I’d ever lost since my childhood had washed up, and I was now standing here in front of it, and if I waited long enough, a tiny figure would appear on the horizon across the field, and gradually ......” And I absolutely felt it when you said that the book is about what it means to be humans, what makes us what we are, and what it means to live. I’m definitely going to read more of his books!! Thank you for another great video! Totally loved it!!

[@katiejlumsden]

Never Let Me Go is such a wonderful book. I highly recommend the rest of his work too!

[@hyelimsong5171]

@@katiejlumsden Absolutely!!

[@Cotictimmy]

A great piece of art may depict many horrors whilst itself being beautiful & shedding a powerful light which reveals much that is true and good. Please don't be heartbroken by your own emotional intelligence - we all different in our thoughts & concerns. And please read 'Klara & The Sun'.

[@steventhomas231]

Ishiguro is a master of economical enigmatic writing. Theres always something unknown going on that really draws you in and lingers. Ive just managed to get a signed independent book shop copy of Klara and the sun which i cant wait to read.

[@katiejlumsden]

I'm so excited for Klara and the Sun.

[@MildDavis]

The Unconsoled seems to be such a polarizing novel, but for me it ended up being one of my favorite reads ever and it stuck with me long after. In some ways it worked in my unconscious much in the way that a dream would, and I recommend anyone reading it suspend their typical expectations for plot and resolution the same way dreams never seem to offer up these convenient devices, yet can be lastingly impactful nonetheless

[@DrawingABlanka]

I have read all but when we were orphans. Ishiguro is probably my favourite character writer. I think the unconsoled is probably his most underrated but I also totally get why alot people just don't vibe with the book. I'd probably say Remains of the day, the never let me and the unconsoled are masterful but I enjoyed all that I have read. I personally really liked the buried giant. I think it's because I love the vibe of fantasy but don't personally enjoy the execution of most high fantasy series so the Buried Giant offered me the fantasy world with a story telling style that is more suited to my taste. I think Ishiguro is often deceptively simple. He writes what on the surface are often quite mundane stories but with incredibly nuanced characters and subtle complexities for those paying attention. I think Remains of the day is probably his best example of how he weaves complex emotions and characterisation in a simple format.

[@katiejlumsden]

I highly recommend When We Were Orphans - it's wonderful. I'm looking forward to rereading The Buried Giant.

[@nigelroberts7962]

The buried giant was a book i felt disappointed by at first, but then the ending stayed with me and haunted my thoughts, so looking back its's up there with Never let me go

[@katiejlumsden]

I must reread it sometime!

[@jameschapman4292]

Thanks very much for your excellent reviews..

[@patricia_ps]

He's definitely one of my favorite authors, and The Remains of the Day is just perfect. I absolutely loved it.

[@katiejlumsden]

He's such an amazing author.

[@bobbykeniston7240]

Ishiguro has always been one of my favorites. I used to say that the two living writers I desperately wanted to see get the Nobel Prize were Ishiguro and playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. So naturally I was ecstatic when he was announced. I always tell people that Kazuo Ishiguro writes two types of books: really great novels and masterpieces. It seems that many people like "The Buried Giant" least of his works (actually, I think it might be more divisive even than "The Unconsoled"). For me, I find his masterpieces to be "The Remains of the Day," "Never Let Me Go," "The Buried Giant" (which I reread in anticipation of "Klara and the Sun"), and "The Unconsoled" ("Klara" comes close). In full disclosure, I have not yet read "Nocturnes" or "When We Were Orphans". I do think "The Buried Giant" definitely benefits from a second reading. Thanks for the video!

[@dianewalker9154]

Because of your channel, I have read three of his novels already. I’m getting two more for Christmas to read in 2021. So thank you for introducing me to this terrific author.

[@katiejlumsden]

He's so great.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I read Remains of the Day back in 1989 just after it won the Booker. It astonished me in ways that I didn't know books could and remains a key text in my reading life. Because of that book, I continue to read contemporary fiction, chasing that high. I will also read everything Ishiguro publishes. I struggled with both The Unconsoled and When We Were Orphans, but I loved Nocturnes. I'm looking forward to his new novel, coming in March. Thanks for this!

[@katiejlumsden]

He's just such an amazing writer :)

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

I've only read "The Remains of the Day", which was a great read, I need to find some more Ishiguro, I hadn't realised he had written so many books.

[@katiejlumsden]

He's so great!

[@GunpowderFictionPlot]

I loved this video and I agree with everything you said, although I've only read 3 novels. The Buried Giant is confusing; I think that was almost intentional so you could empathise with the 2 main characters... But he's so simple and efficient with his words in Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go (both of which are excellent), that I felt the absence of that style in The Buried Giant and didn't enjoy it.

[@katiejlumsden]

He's such a great writer.

[@miaroscfala]

The advanced efficiency of his language makes his prose look basic but it is not basic at all. This is what I adore about him the most. There is absolutely zero pretence.

[@locutusdborg126]

I would reverse the top two, otherwise we agree. I am 70 and Never Let Me Go is one of my favorite books of all time and I place Ishiguro with John Fowles on the empyrean of literary achievement. Great review.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks! Yes, the top two are pretty close for me - both so good.

[@BookZealots]

I own Never Let Me Go and have for many years, but it's been pushed aside. I don't know why. I may have to add it to my 2021 tbr. Thank you.

[@katiejlumsden]

Highly recommend it!

[@youllneverreadalone3982]

You have made me want to give 'Never Let Me Go' a second read. I read it in the wake of recommendations from Jen Campbell's videos. She repeatedly referred to a twist, so that set me off in totally the wrong 'direction'. The premise is clear from the off; it's in our gradual understanding of what's going on that the skill in the writing is revealed. Right up to the end I was waiting for some kind of twist that never came. I also remember not particularly liking the characters, but maybe that was just because my reading was slightly skewed. In any event, today is my birthday so I have lots of lovely new books to get to first, but I'll add NLMG to the list!

[@katiejlumsden]

I love Never Let Me Go so much. Highly recommend giving it another go!

[@reginalemoine5809]

Ishiguro is also one of my favorite authors. All I have left to read is The Unconsoled, as well. I’ve put it off because I am afraid of not loving it,but this video has really inspired me to give it a go. We also share the same top three; my order is The Remains of the Day, When We Were Orphans, and then Never Let Me Go. I read The Buried Giant when it was first released and at that time, I had read everything except The Unconsoled and Nocturnes, so I had a lot of experience with Ishiguro going in and I still didn’t really care for it. I found some things to be grating, like Axl addressing Beatrice as “Princess” nearly every time he spoke to her. Like you did with The Unconsoled, I told myself to just trust Ishiguro and go with it, but at the end I really did not like it. I don’t know if I should try rereading it, or just let it stand as a novel I didn’t like from an author I love. I’d be interested to see if your opinion of it changes upon a reread. And I agree that The Remains of the Day is probably as close as one can get to a perfect novel. It’s simply exquisite from start to finish. It is the first Ishiguro I read and I remember getting to the end and just being awestruck by its perfection.

[@katiejlumsden]

Ishiguro is so great. I really enjoyed The Unconsoled - I highly recommend it. I totally agree that The Remains of the Day is as close as you get to a perfect book - just so wonderful.

[@launchedathousand]

I've never read any of his work but all the plots and character's sound intriguing.

[@katiejlumsden]

He's a great writer!

[@SophiaClef]

I can't wait to read Never Let Me Go, but his other works seem interesting, as well.

[@katiejlumsden]

I hope you like Never Let Me Go!

[@nikkivenable3700]

It’s, to me, his weakest book.

[@deblawrence8341]

Another great and interesting video! I've been meaning to read "The Remains of the Day" for years. Last year I listened to “Never Let Me Go” and was disappointed by it, especially after hearing all the hype surrounding it, but after listening to your thoughts on the book, I think I need to give it another chance. Thanks so much for compiling these videos for us ... they are so enjoyable and most informative. Love them!

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks very much!

[@ShukriAbdullah]

I'm planning to read Ishiguro's novels next year (only have read Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day so far). Also, very excited for his new novel next year!

[@katiejlumsden]

Me too, very excited for his next book.

[@aylyaavcu9108]

I just finished 'Never let me go'. It was the first book of 2021 and, although it might be too early to say, I have the feeling it's going to be one of the best. I already bought 3 more books of Ishiguro and I think they all will read in 2021...

[@katiejlumsden]

It's a wonderful wonderful book! Enjoy the rest of Ishiguro :)

[@AuburnAfterglow]

I love Ishiguro and really want to get to all of his books, I still have When we were orphans, The buried giant and The Unconsoled left to read. :)

[@katiejlumsden]

Enjoy :)

[@janetsmith8566]

I've been wanting to know more about Ishiguro 💕

[@katiejlumsden]

:)

[@paulinelafford4773]

Great video. Will start with Remains of the Day.

[@katiejlumsden]

Enjoy!

[@lornam3637]

You've persuaded me to try When We Were Orphans. That and The Unconsoled are the only two I haven't tried and my favourites would be in the same order as yours. I remember visiting Ham House on the River Thames several years ago and their gardens had plastic daisies pressed into the lawn. It was so strange until we were told they were filming Never Let Me Go later that day there. I'd read the book at that point - an incredible book but I knew I'd never have the courage to watch it as a film. I wonder, if anyone has seen it, did you notice daisies on a lawn?!

[@katiejlumsden]

I highly recommend them both :) So interesting - I highly recommend the film of Never Let Me Go actually, it's very very good. I think I almost love the film as much as I love the book and that's saying something!

[@chiyapink7607]

I haven't read ishiguro yet, but I do own when we were orphans. And it's nice to know you consider it a good starting point:)

[@katiejlumsden]

I really do, I loved it so much.

[@ryandonagheylovescash4710]

Please review Klara- I would love to hear your review.

[@katiejlumsden]

Just ordered it!

[@miaroscfala]

@@katiejlumsden And what did you think? Better than Buried Giant?

[@heartofcinema3454]

Love Ishiguro. Saw Remains of the day film first, loved it! and then moved onto the books. Agree abt the buried gaint, it's a bit of a tough read to getting into at the start, probably because of the cloudyness/misty/fog of memories and perhaps the idea of the human consciousness not been fully developed (because it's set in pagan days), but half way through it becomes worthwhile. Will definitely read the unconsoled and nocturnes soon. Just ordered Klara and the sun from folyes London!

[@katiejlumsden]

He really is such a wonderful writer. I'm so excited for Klara and the Sun!

[@zozso9502]

Thanks for this video! “The Unconsoled” is one of the best novels I’ve ever read, but unfortunately it’s underestimated. After thanking you again, may I ask you to talk slower in the next videos.

[@katiejlumsden]

The Unconsoled was great. I'm afraid I naturally speak very fast, and speaking slower is hard for me; my videos are actually already digitally slowed down to 85% of how I actually speak. If you click the settings cog in the corner of the video, you can slow it down to 75% if that helps.

[@Cotictimmy]

Have you caught up with 'Klara And The Sun' yet? It is absolutely wonderful. (Currently serialised on BBC Radio 4 and on Sound App.)

[@katiejlumsden]

I'll be reading it soon I hope :)

[@teaandtypewriters2913]

I definitely put him on my list

[@katiejlumsden]

He's such a wonderful author!

[@rmayerCPA]

My least favorite was "When we were Orphans," my favorite was "An Artist of the Floating World." I am currently reading The Unconsoled." I am enjoying, but will not top the list.

[@altodomino7859]

I am curious about the habits of such a prodigious reader. How long do you typically read for in one sitting? Do you have an established routine you adhere to? Thanks for your input!

[@katiejlumsden]

I try to read for an hour at a time usually, if I'm able - but sometimes it's more like 15 minute chunks, which is fine for me. I used to read on my commute to and from work but now I'm working from home I give myself a fake commute, and try to read for an hour before and after work.

[@altodomino7859]

@@katiejlumsden Thanks for the feedback! I'm loving "The small house at Allington", which I picked up by your recommendation. :)

[@tommykayreads6436]

I started reading and rereading his books (one a month) in publication order leading up to the new release. The Remains of the Day is my absolute favorite, but this reading I found it really sad. I liked Pale View of the Hills, but at the end of the book, I was like, "Wait, what?". The Unconsoled is next on my list.

[@katiejlumsden]

Ha yes that is definitely the reaction to the ending of A Pale View of Hills!

[@orangeyellow9695]

A pale view of hills made me depressed for a few days as I slowly understood the meaning behind the story. It was painful and it was sorrowful. It was so beautifully written with such care.

[@MeasureOfLight]

I feel like I'm the only Ishiguro fan that liked The Buried Giants, lol. Personally, The Unconsoled is the only Ishiguro novel that I didn't enjoy, because it was a little too dream-like for me. All of his other books I loved. Never Let Me Go and A Pale View of Hills are my closest favs.

[@SadieReadsAgain]

I really rate him, even if though not all his books have clicked with me...think I've read about five, and three I really enjoyed but the other two I really didn't. I have Nocturnes on my shelf, and I will take that tip about the audiobook!

[@katiejlumsden]

He's a great writing - highly recommend Nocturnes on audiobook!

[@ant7936]

Unconsoled? I've just made it to 102pp and it's time to give up! I have fantastically entertaining, personal dreams most nights, so I can't read another 400pp of a dream that seems likely to have no eventual resolution! Maybe I'll return to this, but there are too many other great novels out there (just finished Dr Zhivago).

[@Nyledam89]

The Remains of the Day is in my top three books I've read. I have enjoyed Never Let Me Go but it didn't resonate with me quite as much. I have When We Were Orphans and Nocturnes waiting for me on my shelves. :)

[@katiejlumsden]

I think you'll like When We Were Orphans!

[@miaroscfala]

What are your other top 2 books in your top 3?

[@KevTheImpaler]

I've read Remains of the Day, When We Were Orphans, An Artist in a Floating World and The Hidden Giant. I liked The Remains of the Day most. I found When We Were Orphans quite confusing. It started off in reality but got more and more fantastic. The Hidden Giant had odd, stilted dialogue. It was a good story. I started to like it more as it went on, but it was a bit disappointing.

[@katiejlumsden]

Yes, The Buried Giant was a little disappointing for me.

[@johncrwarner]

I have never been drawn to Kazuo Ishiguro I am not sure why. He has been a presence in the literary fiction firmament since I was a young man and lauded but I think his writing sounds like small exquisite miniature jewels and it has never drawn me to it as a result. You have however put him on the horizon for me not that he is in my immediate reading list but at last he is on my potential authors to try.

[@lornam3637]

I think that is true of such books as The Artist of the Floating World. I think The Remains of the Day I would compare to E M Forster and Never Let Me Go is rather like The Handmaid's Tale. For those two books he is very readable if you are typically used to classics.

[@katiejlumsden]

The Remains of the Day definitely has an E.M. Forster feel to it!

[@yehwenko7307]

I suggest you re-read the buried giant, or,you read it again when you are 70 years old. A joke. About using the third person to write this story,I don’t think it matters as long as the writer writes a good story which he did indeed. If you read this story carefully, he uses the first person at the ending chapter and the boatman is the “I” . Why? I think only the boatman is the all-seeing one. About the dragon, only King Arthur and those religious guys still feed him although the dragon had only one breath left. Arthur is a dreamer/politician and religion sometimes hyponotised mind . Alas, isn’t it just like the ages we are living in for always? The irony is whether you slaughter the dragon or you don’t do it, there is no real solution for human beings. This is a very deep(maybe sorrow)story on both collective and personal level and the ending just shake and freeze me like thunder and lighting..

[@Flying_Scotsman_1921]

The buried giant is actually my favourite ;)

[@katiejlumsden]

I do know a lot of people love it - I'm curious to reread it.

[@yasminchowdhury3909]

Would u ever do a middle eastern book recommendations with Muslim representation in them 🧕🏽

[@katiejlumsden]

I'm not sure I've read all that many middle eastern books to recommend!

[@yasminchowdhury3909]

@@katiejlumsden okay but it would be interesting to see the ones u have even if it’s not that many at all xx