Video Review of Ishiguro's The Unconsoled

Drew S. Thurston reviews his one of his very favorite novels, The Unconsoled. In the interests of time, this doesn't contain a summary of the book, which can be found elsewhere.

[@Matisse223]

To me, this book is about regrets. So many of the characters hold secrets and regrets which they can only confide in a person who is passing through their lives. I would say Ishiguro has the superb writing to express the most elaborate and delicate emotion of each character. I love this book this way, even it is a difficult read for me.

[@elizabethsanchezschulz4949]

Miranda You’re so right Miranda. He’s so subtle at writing about emotions!

[@pollikins4196]

I really appreciated your words about The Unconsoled. I've just finished reading it and , as you say, I had to decide to suspend all the questions that bothered me - how could he have read the schedule for his trip but then complain he never received one; why does he have to guess who Sophie when he goes to the cafe when, as it turns out, she's the mother of his son Boris? No, as you say, we have to follow Ryder, absorb, suspend judgement, try to follow along rather than feel frustrated when random events distract him and interfere with his plan. I love Ishiguro's books ; actually I cried through the final chapter of 'Klara and the Sun' and actually wondered if I'd ever read as good a book again - but this book is a masterpiece, it's challenging unless you decide early on to take it as it comes and enjoy the ride. There are very poignant moments especially as regards Ryder's son Boris, but also moments when I laughed out loud. Thanks for the thoughtful words, I concur!

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Glad you liked my review. Thanks for commenting.

[@elenakazey2419]

Thanks a lot for the comments. I was really overwhelmed by this dream-like atmosphere, when crazy things happen and you just take them in your stride. And yes, I agree that it is all about regrets, or about a life unfulfilled... And I really do not see why some critics call the main character unsympathetic. To me, he is your typical middle-aged gentleman, quite "successful" but not a snob - or am I not getting something, being from Russia myself?

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Yes-- I find the main character sympathetic. I can relate to not remembering from one moment from the next what the heck I'm doing.

[@hedwigwendell-crumb91]

Thank you for this. I absolutely love this book. One of my favourites. I love Murakami also.

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Thanks much.

[@elizabethsanchezschulz4949]

It was my third Ishiguro book . I was already a Great admirer of his great work. I started reading, and no doubt I was puzzled at first, but then, I just couldn’t leave it! I usually dream a lot, and I feel terribly angry not being able to remember everything! And that was the clue of this book, Dreams, Nightmares. It’s completely oniric!, What else if the main character appears in pijamas in an important party? Or the characters are all mixed up? Well, I’m sad to hear not everybody has praised it, but it’s one of my favourites. Just waiting the next Ishiguro novel because by now; I’ve read and enjoyed them all. CHAPEAU again Kazuo Ishiguro, 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@kito-]

Great review! Like what you said about Paul!

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

[@matthewl5919]

Lovely and thoughtful video. Would love to see you make videos about your other favorite books! Just finished this novel today, and now I'm on to Malcolm Lowry's Under the Volcano.

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Thank you so much. I started shooting another review over a month ago but life and perfectionism slowed the project. Your encouragement may get me over the hump!

[@jeanf8998]

I think you are exactly right. I am not done yet and am enjoying it and yet can’t stop because I keep trying to make sense of it. I think this is one of those books that might be a foundation for a new genre. Sorta like Gogol?

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Thanks for your comment. I don't know that I could come up with a genre label for this book, but then, the way my mind works, I'm not even that interested in labelling books. I can't even label the one novel I wrote-- Amidst the Chatter. a.co/d/9rboZhV

[@selvamthiagarajan8152]

I read Klara and the Sun, watched book reviews, then I landed on your video. I want to give The Unconsoled a go. Thank you for this review.

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Thanks for your comment. Glad you liked the review.

[@MadMathmatics]

thanks

[@FarSideFilms]

More reviews!

[@dtrenaissanceman]

Thanks for responding and I'm glad you're up for some more. I just uploaded a review of the novel True Grit (still processing as I type this) and hope to produce more reviews soon.

[@simonjager9259]

I miss a comment of vivec in this comment section😁

[@ant7936]

Excellent review. But for me, it doesn't pass the 100pp test (well actually, I've made it to 102!) Reminds me of _Inception_ and _Shutter Island_ films (de Caprio). After 100pp, I'm looking for some hint - at least - of resolution, but I suspect there will be none after 500pp. Looking at reviews to help me hasn't given me any hope! This is not to say I cannot read long books (just finished Dr Zhivago, which has many side alleys to explore, but finally has a captivating _story_ ) , but I think I must now devote my limited time to something else. Thanks!