The tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
Translated by Edward G. Seidensticker I have decided that I should try to read more “world literature”, not just modern fiction but books that might be regarded as classics from around...
30 September 2018
When we were orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro
ISBN: 057120516x ; Other Reviews The narrator of this book, Christopher Banks, is a renowned detective in the 1930’s. One of England’s most famous detectives. Yet one case has always troubled...
22 November 2008
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
It seems increasingly likely that I really will undertake the expedition that has been occupying my imagination now for some days.
The Remains of the Day is about Stevens, a butler in a “grand old English house”. He spent his life trying to be a “great” butler in the service of Lord Darlington. With the death of Darlington he remains in Darlington Hall working for the new owner a rich American, Mr Farraday. It is at Mr. Farraday’s suggestion that Stevens, our narrator, first begins thinking about taking a short trip out into the English countryside, and to see Miss Kenton. Now Mrs. Benn she recently sent him a letter, hinting, Stevens thinks, at her unhappy marriage and her wish to return to service in Darlington Hall. On his journey Stevens reflects over his life and the changes he has seen.
24 June 2008
The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro
ISBN: 057122539X See also: Jabberwock ; Fantastic Metropolis Surreal and weird are terms that come to mind when I attempt to review this book. Or to be even more accurate, very...
30 December 2007
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
My name is Kathy H. I’m thirty-one years old, and I’ve been a carer now for over eleven years. That sounds long enough, I know, but actually they want me to go on for another eight months, until the end of this year.
I picked this upon impulse. At home, looking for something for the train, I recognised the author’s name and thought that I may as well give it a go. And I’m so glad I did because I loved this book. The narrator is Kathy H., a 31 year old woman, and the book is her memories of life at boarding school. She and other students lived at Hailsham where they were taught by the “guardians” and brought up in a privileged manner. But all is not as it seems and throughout the novels there are hints at something darker.
9 October 2007
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
trans from the Japanese: Philip Gabriel ISBN: 0099494094 ; Mental mayhem ; Mindspill “So you’re all set for money, then?” the boy named Crow asks in his characteristic sluggish voice. The...
13 November 2006
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