The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro - Book Discussion

This month we're talking about Ishiguro's most divisive work - either a book that has 'invented its own category of badness' or one of the three best books between 1980 and 2005. We love to see it. Let me know what you thought of the book in the comments below!
Articles Referenced:
Fairbanks, A.H, 'Ontology and narrative technique in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Unconsoled"'
Juhász, T, 'Inaudible Sons: Music and Diaspora in Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Unconsoled'
Reitano, N, 'The Good Wound: Memory and Community in The Unconsoled'
Robinson, R, 'Nowhere, in particular:
Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Unconsoled
and Central Europe'
Garrido Castellano, G, 'Ryder Meets Bourriaud. Kazuo Ishiguro’s The
Unconsoled and the Contradictions of “Creative
Capitalism”'
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[@pratyushpadhee636]

The unconsoled is a masterpiece 🖤

[@SapSapient]

I found the book to be an amazing achievement, and fully understand why many would hate every second of it. *spoilers* Using dream-logic and muddled up memories/feelings/frustrations to explore the psyche of this man, who is an accomplished musician, this alcoholic, this abusive husband and negligent father, this man who's own parents caused him so much pain. It's genius. I enjoyed it from start to finish, but I didn't really understand how much I know about Ryder until a couple days after I finished it. So much of his own history gets pasted onto other people that it isn't clear what is what until you get close to the end. I loved it so much.

[@razr6581]

this is exactly how I'd put it. I loved every second of it bc I was in a continuous anticipation of wanting to know more and figuring out Ryder.

[@ianp9086]

Great summary of a great book. I think some of the setting was inspired by Rates of Exchange by Malcolm Bradbury (who ran the creative writing MA that Ishiguro did at UEA).

[@christopheradcock2980]

My interpretation was that Ryder is in the early-middle phases of dementia. Still holding some memories and awareness but unable to hold onto these or place them in context and sparking confabulation to find meaning. Inconsolable because any solace provided is soon forgotten.
I found the book deeply unsettling to read but recognise the artistry required to devise and write it.

[@daniellecannella8514]

I thought the same thing! I had the impression that Ryder had dementia and the book was like his muddled reflections on his life

[@razr6581]

I thought he was insomniac

[@johnavery5384]

Great description of the book. I listened to it as an audiobook which helped. Time, geography and characters are not linear or consistent throughout the book which makes analysis difficult. The quality of the writing and language was so good I stuck with it. Also because I wanted to see how it ended. But it didn't end, it just stopped.

[@evanlutz7071]

Yeah, I was expecting some sort of big reveal, where it would all make sense. But this never came. Maybe my sense as a reader of expecting a big, important moment and then being disappointed is supposed to mirror Ryder's and the town's same expectation for a brilliant concert that never really happens

[@mason4947]

Thank you for this series. You’re so fun to listen to. And I needed validation after reading this insane book that I wasn’t the only one who thought this lol. I found it super funny though. The scene where the guy describes carrying the dead dog on his shoulder and the scene where they chop off the guys leg on the side of the road we’re just so absurd that I was dying. Super bizarre book but I’m glad I read it.

[@bezawitshiferaw6749]

Just came to RUclips after finishing the book to see if everyone was as confused as me and I'm happy to see I'm right

[@bezawitshiferaw6749]

I'm also reading all of his books at the moment so I can't wait to see your other videos about his work!

[@covooo315]

Just finished this, absolutely no idea what I’ve just read. One of the strangest books out there

[@eddiecational]

Hopefully you enjoyed the experience, though?

[@jamesbaxterfromax]

I absolutely think Ryder, brodsky and Stephan are the same person

[@daniellecannella8514]

And Boris

[@evanlutz7071]

Good video; glad someone's making a series like this. Liked and subscribed

[@eddiecational]

Thank you so much!

[@margute22]

sattler monument?

[@eddiecational]

sattler monument!!

[@postmanpat2964]

great video mate! really enjoyed

[@eddiecational]

Thank you!!

[@phylipitaglioni1970]

I know that feeling