A mist of forgetfulness is plaguing Medieval Britain in Ishiguro's latest novel, and although The Buried Giant got a mixed reaction from Tyneside Book Club members, at least it wasn't forgettable.
But a majority did have problems with the book. Some failed to find the central couple of Axl and Beatrice, or the plot, engaging enough to hold their attention. Indeed some even found them insufferable.
Some struggled to get through the book, finding it a little impenetrable and obtuse. It describes a quest of sorts, but some didn't think the destination was worth the slog of the journey.
But for others, even if there were some problems, the themes and ideas did resonate. Some found the exploration of memory and mortality meaningful and moving. There were interesting ideas raised about whether it is better to forget or remember a traumatic past. And for some, some fine and gripping writing.
But while some enjoyed exploring the allegories in the novel, others were concerned plot had been sacrificed. Ishiguro isn't interested in drama, and deliberately downplays incidents that would have been the pinnacle of a traditional fantasy novel.
Reviews of The Buried Giant have been mixed, so perhaps it's not surprising it provoked contrasting views, but despite that reaction it generated a good discussion.
Next month the group pushes the boundaries of literature by tackling a Calvin and Hobbes comic book.
But a majority did have problems with the book. Some failed to find the central couple of Axl and Beatrice, or the plot, engaging enough to hold their attention. Indeed some even found them insufferable.
Some struggled to get through the book, finding it a little impenetrable and obtuse. It describes a quest of sorts, but some didn't think the destination was worth the slog of the journey.
But for others, even if there were some problems, the themes and ideas did resonate. Some found the exploration of memory and mortality meaningful and moving. There were interesting ideas raised about whether it is better to forget or remember a traumatic past. And for some, some fine and gripping writing.
But while some enjoyed exploring the allegories in the novel, others were concerned plot had been sacrificed. Ishiguro isn't interested in drama, and deliberately downplays incidents that would have been the pinnacle of a traditional fantasy novel.
Reviews of The Buried Giant have been mixed, so perhaps it's not surprising it provoked contrasting views, but despite that reaction it generated a good discussion.
Next month the group pushes the boundaries of literature by tackling a Calvin and Hobbes comic book.
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