A review by silverliningsandpages
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

5.0

I’ve already declared myself as a fan of Ishiguro, but I found this book dazzling! It is in my top two reads for 2019 so far. A word of warning though, Ishiguro’s writing is not to everyone’s taste and this novel was divisive, even among his most ardent followers!
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Dark Ages Britain.
Saxons and Britons now live side-by-side in a country that has been scarred by bloody conflict under King Arthur. A thick pervasive mist has settled in over the land and caused individuals and communities to forget their most precious memories. An elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, one day remember that they have a son and set off on a perilous journey to visit him in his village. Along the way, there are knights and sword fights, mad monks and monstrous pixies, trolls and dragons. It is a combination of fantasy, legend and historical fiction, but at the very centre of the novel is a beautiful, touching love story. As usual, Ishiguro deftly deals with the themes of loss and memory (individual and collective), as well as guilt, justice, retribution and self-sacrifice. Through the story he poses the question of whether it is more damaging to have a peaceful heart with the most important memories deeply buried, or full knowledge that can unleash pain, individually and collectively. This is a mesmerising book, which at times can feel very harrowing and intense - the ending is unforgettably raw and profound! I loved this story, and will definitely reread it.
All the stars, and hats off again to Mr Ishiguro!
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If, like me, you like LOTR or folklore and legends, this may be a good one for you.