Years ago, I read my first novel by author Kazuo Ishiguro. It was the Nobel-Prize-winning novel, The Remains of the Day. I loved it so much that since then, I have read many more works by this imaginative writer. Recently, I read The Unconsoled, a novel from 1995. This is The Unconsoled book review and book banter. If you’ve read the book, share you thoughts below!
The Unconsoled book review and book banter
Mixed reviews on Amazon
Before I buy any book, I love to read what others thought. Unfortunately, Ishiguro’s The Unconsoled had many one-or-two star reviews.
One reviewer wrote, “An exercise in frustration.” Another described the book as “dysfunctional” and “disappointing.” And, after I read the book, I can understand why other readers might have felt that way. It really is a uniquely different type of book.
I loved The Unconsoled novel
Despite some of the critics, I absolutely loved this novel. While the story line was confusing sometimes, I could empathize with all the characters.
I felt what the characters felt
As a reader, I think it’s remarkable that I am able to empathize with Ishiguro’s characters. That’s the one thing I especially love about his books. By the time I had finished reading the first 10 pages The Unconsoled, I was hooked. And, because I empathized almost immediately with the protagonist, I started to view my world exactly the way the main character, Mr. Ryder, viewed his world.
Not only that, but I was also able to empathize with almost all the other characters, too.
Was it a disturbing dream, or was it real?
Did you ever wake up after having a disturbing dream? I’m not talking about a nightmare, but a dream that made you feel a little uncomfortable.
I have, many times. That’s kind-of how the author tells this story. It’s almost like a slightly off-kilter, slightly disturbing dream.
Life has unbelievable aspects
As I read Mr. Ryder’s story, I thought back on my own life, but I did it through Mr. Ryder’s eyes. The various scenes of my life, from childhood into adulthood, transitioned smoothly without time constraints. And just like Mr. Ryder’s life, I realized that my own life also had inexplicable, and almost unbelievable aspects to it.
I bet that if you look at your own life, you will also have those unexplained, bizarre moments that should not have happened, but that did happen.
As I read, I became more enthralled
That’s exactly how this dream-like story progresses. Sometimes, the event were unbelievable, but yet they somehow happened and had made an impact on Mr. Ryder’s life. As I read this story, I became more enthralled and more amazed.
Disturbing, compelling, and funny at the same time
The main character was under a lot of pressure. He only had a limited amount of time to get his job done, but every-day events kept getting in his way.
You don’t have time—lots of pressure
He would meet one character, and get side-tracked because he wanted to help and not be rude. Those side-journeys made me feel stressed-out for the protagonist. As I read, I would often think, ‘I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Mr. Ryder. You don’t have time!’
Nothing ever goes as planned
But even as I felt Ryder’s stress, I was also surprised by his and other peoples’ generosity during the bad situations that they inadvertently stumbled onto. It was like real life!
There were extremely funny moments that caught me by surprise and made me laugh out loud. But there were also bizarre moments that were really disturbing. But those slightly disturbing twists were really, really good!
A story about feeling alienated
This story gave me a lot to think about. I could empathize with each character, and by the end of the novel, I think I figured out why.
The main character, Mr. Ryder, unselfishly gave other people his time, insights, and talents. He sacrificed because he wanted them to like him and accept him for what he was.
Despite good intentions, disappointment often followed
Unfortunately, despite helping other people and despite being a successful pianist, Mr. Ryder, just didn’t fit in very well. He didn’t fit in with his family, his fans, or the people he helped. He felt alienated.
The other characters also did not fit in well. For instance, the hotel manager had a wife and a son who he tried so hard to please. His son also tried so hard to please his parents, but each of his efforts seemed to disappoint.
Then there was the local reformed drunk who had been a brilliant conductor. He had stopped drinking and was planning a comeback performance.
However, despite all their good intentions, they were profoundly unsuccessful in their personal relationships. They were all alienated from each other!
An elegantly simple conclusion
Each character’s sense of alienation from the world almost made them desperate to be loved. I didn’t figure that out until the last few pages of this amazing novel, when all the elements came together. It was an elegantly simple conclusion to a brilliant novel.
TAKEAWAYS:
The Unconsoled book review and book banter
A brilliant novel that was a pleasure to read
For me, The Unconsoled was my second favorite Ishiguro novel, at least so far. The writing was brilliant, and every page was a delight to read. I recommend that if you have already tried reading this novel but were disappointed, give it another chance. I loved it, and you might come to love it, too!
By the way, my all-time favorite Ishiguro novel is The Remains of the Day. And, I can’t forget about the author’s Klara and the Sun, which is equally excellent. Those novels also had a overhanging sense of alienation in many of the characters, just like characters in The Unconsoled experienced.
Thanks for reading The Unconsoled book review. If you’ve read any novels by Kazuo Ishiguro, please share your thoughts in the comments section below! I think he’s a unique, innovative writer.
Content and photos by Doug Martin and Our Book Banter
