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A review by blau_elmo
An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A masterpiece of unreliable narration. Ishiguro is such an expert at hiding nuances within his words, and it is only in retrospect after the entire picture is put into place that one realises the guilt, pride and flaws of our protagonist, Masuji Ono.
The self-doubt, the conflation of one's conviction with authority (contradicted by his inability to stop the police from harassing his protege), and his strong desire to get Noriko, his daughter, married, as a way to make up for her previously failed negotiations, which he assumes to be caused by his past as a propaganda artist for Imperial Japan, when in reality his influence is not so wide-reaching, shows his character. He is untrustworthy, proud and ridden with guilt, which drives him to prevaricate and try to make amends with old students and mentors, all of which now no longer wish to associate with him.
It is a book about inter-generational conflict, but more importantly, a muddled sense of self. It is complex, and leaves so much for the reader to ponder about. Great read.
The self-doubt, the conflation of one's conviction with authority (contradicted by his inability to stop the police from harassing his protege), and his strong desire to get Noriko, his daughter, married, as a way to make up for her previously failed negotiations, which he assumes to be caused by his past as a propaganda artist for Imperial Japan, when in reality his influence is not so wide-reaching, shows his character. He is untrustworthy, proud and ridden with guilt, which drives him to prevaricate and try to make amends with old students and mentors, all of which now no longer wish to associate with him.
It is a book about inter-generational conflict, but more importantly, a muddled sense of self. It is complex, and leaves so much for the reader to ponder about. Great read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War