READING UPDATE: KAZUO ISHIGURO, THE BURIED GIANT AND MORE
Hello dear readers, how's life treating you? It's time for another reading update on my blog. You guys know that I'm a bookworm and a reading addict, right? Today I have a couple of book reviews to share with you. I'll be reviewing four books (more precisely: two novels and two short story collections). It's a mixed crowd of writers that I'm reviewing, from Nobel winning Kazuo Ishiguro to some other well known authors. So, let's get started. Scroll down to read my opinion of these books.
“But then again I wonder if what we feel in our hearts today isn't like these raindrops still falling on us from the soaked leaves above, even though the sky itself long stopped raining. I'm wondering if without our memories, there's nothing for it but for our love to fade and die.”
The Buried Giant
“Yet are you so certain, good mistress, you wish to be free of this mist? Is it not better some things remain hidden from our minds?"
"It may be for some, father, but not for us. Axl and I wish to have again the happy moments we shared together. To be robbed of them is as if a thief came in the night and took what's most precious from us."
"Yet the mist covers all memories, the bad as well as the good. Isn't that so, mistress?"
"We'll have the bad ones come back too, even if they make us weep or shake with anger. For isn't it the life we've shared?”
"It may be for some, father, but not for us. Axl and I wish to have again the happy moments we shared together. To be robbed of them is as if a thief came in the night and took what's most precious from us."
"Yet the mist covers all memories, the bad as well as the good. Isn't that so, mistress?"
"We'll have the bad ones come back too, even if they make us weep or shake with anger. For isn't it the life we've shared?”
The Buried Giant
“Some of you will have fine monuments by which the living may remember the evil done to you. Some of you will have only crude wooden crosses or painted rocks, while yet others of you must remain hidden in the shadows of history.”
THE BURIED GIANT, A NOVEL BY KAZUO ISHIGURO 5/5
Having seen a fascinating interview with mr. Ishiguro about this very
book, I had high expectations for The Buried Giant. I'm happy to report that my
expectations were fulfilled.
Once again, Kazuo Ishiguro impressed me his subtle
and beautiful writing. This novel is a masterpiece.
The Buried Giant is very emotionally engaging and moving tale of an elderly couple in search for their lost past.
Axl and Beatrix
share a strong connection, but just like everyone else in the novel, they
suffer from forgetfulness.
They are perhaps more honest than the other people
in the small Brit village they call a home so they aren't afraid to talk about
this phenomenon.
What is causing people to forget things? That's one of the
mysteries of this novel.
“But God will know the slow tread of an old couple’s love for each other, and understand how black shadows make part of its whole.”
The Buried Giant
This novel is set in post- Arthurian England where magical beings are
still a part of daily life (ogres. dragons and pixies) and as such can be
labelled as a fantasy novel.
Sir Gawain is a rather prominent character in this
one and the shadow of Arthur (no longer alive) is very present. In The Buried Giant, history is mixed with legends. Mags and knights, Christianity and pagan religion are coexisting in this novel.
“What use is a god with boundless mercy, sir? You mock me as a pagan, yet the gods of my ancestors pronounce clearly their ways and punish severely when we break their laws. Your Christian god of mercy gives men license to pursue their greed, their lust for land and blood, knowing a few prayers and a little penance will bring forgiveness and blessing.”
The Buried Giant
I heard that some
readers were put off by the fantasy element of this novel. Please don't be one
of those readers and have an open mind.
If you are a fan of Kazuo, this book
won't disappoint you. It might be written in a genre this author hasn't reached
for prior to this book but it is very much written in Ishiguro's signature
style.
Moreover, The Buried Giant is in many ways similar to other Ishiguro's
novels (and I read quite a few of them).
His works might differ stylistically
but there are some recurring themes in them.
“I was wondering, princess. Could it be our love would never have grown so strong down the years had the mist not robbed us the way it did? Perhaps it allowed old wounds to heal.”
Memory is an important theme for
Ishiguro and it is a central theme in this novel.
The elderly couple is aware
that with finding the truth, they might uncover some traumatic things.
“A couple may claim to be bonded by love, but we boatmen may see instead resentment, anger, even hatred. Or a great barrenness. Sometimes a fear of loneliness and nothing more.”
Is it
better to forget? Is forgetting sometimes necessary for our survival?
If you
know anything about human psychology, you know how selective and fragile our
memory really is.
We often forget to protect ourselves from psychological
trauma, to be able to carry our daily lives and yet we must also remember.
Memories sometimes come back when we least expect them to.
“The stranger thought it might be God himself had forgotten much from our pasts, events far distant, events of the same day. And if a thing is not in God’s mind, then what chance of it remaining in those of mortal men?”
This book speaks about all of that, about trauma of war,
about our need to forget and our inability to completely forget.
More than
about post war medieval Britain, this book is really about us as human kind,
about what drives us to war, what makes us to seek revenge.
I remember watching
some interviews with Ishiguro where he spoke of collective forgetfulness, not
uncommon in post -war Europe (or Japan for that matter).
It is obviously something
that this author has given a lot of thought to. What is the difference between
forgiveness and forgetfulness? Can we ever truly forgive?
This novel is also a study of
a marriage. In any long lasting marriage, there are wounds.
When you spend all of your time with somebody, you're bound to hurt one
another- in one way or another.
The same goes for family, it is source of both
peace and conflict, for we all carry conflict within ourselves. I found the
writer's approach to memory absolutely fascinating.
This is quite a
psychological novel, don't let the pixies full you into thinking otherwise.
There is a great dept to this book, but also great sadness.
The ending just
broke my heart. It is an ambiguous ending, so there is a way to interpret
it that is a bit less heart-breaking, but it still broke my heart.
However, I
respect any writer that can make me cry and care deeply about its characters. Highly recommended!
“Boatman, I’ve spoken
honestly to you, and I hope it doesn’t cast your earlier judgement of us in
doubt. For I suppose there’s some would hear my words and think our love flawed
and broken. But God will know the slow tread of an old couple’s love for each
other, and understand how black shadows make part of its whole.”
“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.”
Veronika Decides to Die
VERONICA DECIDES TO DIE, A NOVEL BY PAULO COELHO, 2.4/ 5
“People never learn anything by being told, they have to find out for themselves.”
Veronika Decides to Die
Veronika Decides to Die
This is a beautiful collection of short stories written by a number of
notable Italian writers. I was familiar with some of these others, while others
were new to me. These short stories are set in the last century and quite often
in a time period correlating to WW2. Many of these works (as the title
indicated) tell stories of grandfathers and grandmothers. I really enjoyed them all. Moreover, I found most
of them very touching. I can definitely recommend this short story collection. I don’t know if an
English translation exists, I had read it in Italian. This collection includes
works of the following Italian authors: Angela Bianchini, Isabella Bossi Fedrigotti,
Marcello Cesa Bianchi, Giorgio Calcagno, Elena Gianini Belotti, Gina Lagorio,
Grazia Livi, Giuseppe Lisi, Marisa madieri, Claudio Magris, Ottiero Ottieri,
Pino Roveredo, Enzo Siciliano, Susanna Tamaro, Lidia Storoni Mazzolani, Gregor
Von Rezzori, Antonio Tabucchi, Giorgio Voghera.
POST UPDATE 2024
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MOON-FACE AND OTHER STORIES, A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES BY JACK LONDON 5/5
This is an excellent collection of short stories by Jack London. I was
very impressed with how varied they were in terms of writing style. I didn't
know Jack London had so many sides to him. Some of these stories are written in
his signature 'naturalism', while others are a bit more philosophical, Gothic
and mysterious. Some feature strong willed female protagonists (a fact that
somewhat surprised me as I wasn't used to strong females in his works). Some of
these stories had a bit of the kind of dark and morbid fascination in them that
reminded me of E.A. Poe. Highly recommended!
The Leopard Man's Story Speaker Icon 3/5 Another well written and paced story. Altogether, quite dark and violent. Not for the sensitive souls.
Local Color 3/5 An interesting read but not very memorable. It evaporated from my mind quickly.
Amateur Night 5/5 What makes a good journalist? This story follows a brave young lady who is determined to get into journalism. Now, this is a story that is still relevant. Sometimes you just have to push your way through and be willing to try new things.
The Minions of Midas 5/5 Very dramatic and nerve wrecking, it reads like a murder mystery but it is also an interesting commentary on social classes and changes as well as revolutionary movements of past times. There is also a chilling aspect to it, a feeling of guilt being the underlining tone of it.
The Shadow and the Flash 5/5 The science fiction element to this story really surprised me. Two men in search of invisibility, two chemists battling it to the finish line. I kept thinking about Asimov while reading this one, wondering whether he had read it. Possibly my favourite story in the collection. The science of it is a bit shaky, but why the story itself? It's absolutely amazing.
All Gold Canyon 4/5 This is London as I know him, describing the battle of man against nature. Excellent descriptions in this one, it is easy to imagine everything that takes place.
Planchette 5/5 A ghost mystery of sorts, this story contains a lot of ambiguity. I was mighty impressed with it. Where does science end and supernatural begin? Or are the two somehow connected? I liked the commentary about the twenty century minds and their belief in science. In many ways, the sub consciousness mind is still a mystery. This story made me think about The Turn of a Screw, for there are a few ways to read and interpret it. Absolutely delicious reading!
As always, thank you for reading and commenting. Have a lovely day and a great start of the week!
Great outfit :-D
ReplyDeleteI don't really read, probably should do more!
thank you. You should do what you like. I've always loved reading. If reading isn't your cup of tea, there are other things out there.
DeleteAlthough these aren't my kinds of books I'm always impressed by how much reading you do! With my knee injury I haven't been able to play with the kids as much so I've got a little bit of reading time in while they play in the yard, but not enough to finish a whole book yet this year!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful weekend! We had a birthday party and went to a theme park with family visiting from Western Australia. It was so fun!
Away From Blue
sounds like you had a fun weekend!
DeleteWonderful you get to read so much when many people no longer read. You are one of the rare ones. Reading through I would say you made a lot though provoking points on your reads one for me was about memories and how our psych works towards forgetting. In my opinion I'd say memories are important no matter how painful. I believe they are a form of propellers, a curse as well as a blessing. That's what memories are to me cos without them we become someone else, we assume another identity, with them we are us, scars, joy, sadness etc al
ReplyDeleteI do agree. Memories are very important.
DeleteThis sounds like a great read! I need to check it out! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Vanessa
www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you V!
DeleteI always love to see interviews after reading a book. You always pick the most interesting books.
ReplyDeleteXOOX
Jodie
Thank you Jodie.
DeleteI have read Jack London, but only "The Call of the Wild" - that book of short stories sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Call of the Wild.
Deletethat is amazing. I love the content. I am currently reading something similar and am loving it.
ReplyDeleteI never read any of these books before, but they all sound really interesting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on them! I loved reading this post! :)
ReplyDeletemelissakacar.blogspot.com
Thank you Mellisa!
DeleteReading books is one of the best addict that I can imagine. These books seem interesting for me, especially Kazuo Ishiguro novel.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and have a wonderful day!
Great novel & nice article
ReplyDeletethanks<3
DeleteIt looks like great books!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos too.
https://www.heyimwiththeband.com.br/
<3
DeleteHe is a great writer- I didn't read this book but I know the title. It must be full of emotion cause it's about the man who had a war trauma. I a, sure I am gonna like them. I love reading books
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteYou may be a self-confessed bookworm, but I'm still super impressed by the amount you manage to read. I still haven't finished book 2 of the year. Of your books, I've only read Jack London, and then it was the obvious Call of the Wild, although I do have Martin Eden in a vintage paperback edition, which I don't think I've read. I'm liking the sound of Kazuo Ishiguro's The Buried Giant, so I might give this a go. I hope your week is going well? xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you dear. I haven't read that many books this year either, only 3 I think, some of these reviews are from last year.
DeleteThank you for sharing! I have been looking for books to read next month. Your pictures are really nice.
ReplyDeleteLindifique
Thank you Natalia.
DeleteThank you for sharing your review - I try to read but only seem to manage to finish books when I'm on holiday!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I love your skirt!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Thank you dear.
DeleteWill be adding to cart now. You always read good books.
ReplyDeletethanks
DeleteIl primo libro me lo leggo volentieri perché da come ne parli deve essere davvero bellissimo, di coehlo non sono una fan perciò ....passo!
ReplyDeleteDon't Call Me Fashion Blogger
Facebook
Bloglovin'
Hello dear Ivana, hope you're having a magical 2020 so far! I'm just coming back from a trip and catching up on your site!
ReplyDeleteI adore that you're always improving your reading challenge and that is one of my new year resolutions, to read even more and pick nice books everywhere, that's when I have time to read the most: in the line, while I waiting for a friend or at the bus.
I have heard a lot about Kaizo Ishiguro due to a Mexican booktuber and I have him on my reading list, can't wait to have a book by him, could be the option you are recommending us in this post. I'll tell you if I find something ;)
Pablo
www.heyfungi.com
thanks Pablo.
DeleteYou are a reading aficionado, my friend! I really need to dive more into reading- I find it so relaxing when I do!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
thank you
DeleteHello
ReplyDeleteI don't really like fantastic literature books, it's not my reading genre !! I know Paulo Coelho is Brazilian, writes in Portuguese, I like his writing !! You are a book eater, I would like to read more but I don't have time !!!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
I like some of his novels but sometimes he is a bit repetitive or at least that I how I found him.
DeleteWow quite a bit of reading lady! I am reading a book called The Buy Side and it is about insider trading all the other backdoor things that happen on Wall Street. Love your hair like this and it looks great with the coat.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
sounds like a great book. It is would be nice to know more about what happens on Wall Street.
DeleteLooks like a great book! Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeletewww.infinitelyposh.com
thank you!
DeleteStavolta hai letto tutti libri di autori che conosco (o quasi)! ^^
ReplyDeleteIl primo, quello di Ishiguro, mi sembra davvero bello: non ho letto quel romanzo ma conosco l'autore e mi piace molto soprattutto il suo stile di scrttura che è delicato e poetico, quindi credo che lo prenderò al più presto.
Quello di Paulo Coelo "Veronika decide di morire" l'ho letto non molto tempo fa e non è piaciuto molto nemmeno a me.Nonostante lui sia uno dei miei autori preferiti, ha fatto molto di meglio.
Anche le "storie brevi di Jack London" le ho lette e mi sono piaciute molto, ma mi piace praticamente tutta la produzione di questo autore, soprattutto perchè amo il genere di storie che scrive, ha delle trovate brillanti e un tipo di scruttura che rende qualunque cosa avventurosa e piena d'azione.
Invece "tra le rughe, storie di nonni che si fanno ricordare" l'ho iniziato ma poi l'ho lasciato perdere, non mi ha preso proprio. Forse dipende principalmente dal fatto che non sono il mio genere di storie, ma io le ho trovate abbastanza noiose e non mi sono piaciute un granchè...
Baci!
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
grazie, e' molto interessante sapere che tu pensi su di questi libri!
DeleteFirst of all, you look amazing as always.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say, that I think it is really good, that you talk about reading and the books you liked. we should all definetly invest more time in reading.
take a look at my BLOG and my INSTAGRAM
thank you
DeleteKazuo Ishiguro's novels are great books to read, but it's sad, I still have no time to read it them yet.
ReplyDeleteThank you to share about his book.
I am so impressed how quick your reading :)
Btw, I love your skirt.
thanks
DeleteTiene una pinta estupenda esa lectura y tu look es sensacional ;)
ReplyDeletethank you
DeleteThank you for your recommendations!
ReplyDeletethanks
DeleteIvanica uvek prikaze odlicne recenzije knjiga!
ReplyDeletethanks
DeleteYour selection always inspire me!
ReplyDeleteThis time, I am really interested in Kazuo Ishiguro.
Unfortunately I didn't know him, so I just googled!
I should read the book this year!!
Thank you for your comment on my current post about MMA!
I didn't know Mirko Cro Cop, but my son and friends knew about him well :)
He is a super hero!
akiko
Thank you Akiko.
Delete