My new favourite author is Japanese-British Kazuo Ishiguro. I read Never Let Me Go this summer, followed by a rather good film version of the same title, and I’ve just finished reading A Pale View of Hills. The latter is almost frustratingly abstract and odd, but such a lovely read that gives shivers at some parts. I was fascinated by the metanormal social interactions, the close attention that was given to seemingly ordinary moments and subtle suggestions of phenomena in the contemporary world. As for the former, imagine a sci-fi treatment of a classic boarding school story. Jarring, soothing, superb. Glad to be reading again.
Also recommended:
The Tragedy of Arthur by Arthur Phillips: coincidence? I think not… And you get to read Shakespeare’s lost play!
Room by Irish-Canadian Emma Donoghue: told from the point-of-view of a 5 year old who grows up confined to one room
Never Let Me Go was gorgeous, I’m so glad you passed it on to me. The innocent narrative voice against the rather horrific facts of the story was amazingly crafted.
Emma Donoghue is one of my favourite authors, but I’m not sure I can bring myself to read Room.
So glad you enjoyed it.
re. Room: I thought it would be difficult to read, at first, but since the story is told, once again, by an “innocent narrative voice” the text itself is entirely digestible. When I think back on it now, I remember only those beautiful moments exemplifying the love between a mother and her son. Seriously, just read the first page and you’ll understand.
Bought two more books by Kazuo Ishiguro: An Artist of the Floating World and When We Were Orphans. Still must find Remains of the Day…