Scan barcode
deryakevs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I only got what game Ishiguro did literally at the last few pages of the book. Also a few scenes had me in shock (in a horrifying way).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, and Mental illness
elainarkk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While this book was certainly intriguing, it was not life-changing. I read this for a British Literature course and found the historical aspects of novel very interesting, as the setting subtly illustrates a post-WW2 Nagasaki. The characters are frightening and the tone tense, but ultimately, the plot falls flat. Even after clarifying classroom discussions, I felt like the book offered little in return for reading it. While there were some intense and reflective portions of it the ending was rather unsatisfying. Also, there were so many plot points fleshed out, only to never be discussed again, but perhaps this was Ishiguro's intention--as much of the book makes better sense in hindsight than in first reading it. Still, I liked the way some of the major themes (motherhood; aftermath of war; trauma; guilt) were expressed. Overall, this book wasn't phenomenal, but it was pleasant enough to read! While I will still be reading more of Ishiguro's work, but I hope it is more decisive than A Pale View of Hills, but with all the same introspection and consideration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: War and Mental illness
katysimpson's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The writing in this book is just incredible. Although it requires some patience due to the repetitiveness of the characters dialogue, the pace of the narrative is so cleverly crafted. One of those books that will leave you thinking for a long time afterwards.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Mental illness, Child abuse, Child death, Abandonment, and Suicide
Minor: War
More...