The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

Description

“The Buried Giant” is a novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro, a British author of Japanese descent. It was published in 2015 and marks a departure from Ishiguro’s previous works, which often explored themes of memory, identity, and personal relationships.

Set in Britain during the post-Arthurian era, “The Buried Giant” takes place in a land shrouded in a mist of forgetfulness. The story follows an elderly couple named Axl and Beatrice, who set out on a journey to find their long-lost son. Along the way, they encounter various characters, including a Saxon warrior named Wistan and a young boy named Edwin.

As Axl and Beatrice travel, they confront the effects of a mysterious mist that causes people to forget their past and inhibits the remembrance of collective history. This mist has created an atmosphere of unease and tension among the inhabitants of the land. The couple’s journey becomes an allegorical exploration of memory, love, forgiveness, and the importance of confronting the painful truths of the past.

Throughout the novel, Ishiguro weaves elements of fantasy and mythology into the narrative, incorporating Arthurian legends and quests. He explores themes such as the role of memory in personal and societal relationships, the consequences of forgetting history, and the price of collective amnesia.

“The Buried Giant” has been praised for its thought-provoking exploration of memory and its lyrical writing style. However, it has also garnered some mixed reviews due to its departure from Ishiguro’s more traditional works. Nevertheless, the novel offers a unique and contemplative reading experience for those interested in delving into themes of memory, love, and the human condition.