42 pages • 1 hour read
The Buried Giant
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
England • Arthurian Legend
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in Arthurian Britain just after King Arthur’s death, The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro follows the journey of an elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, as they search for their lost son in a land shrouded by a mist that causes memory loss. Traveling through mysterious and fantastical environments, they encounter various characters, such as Wistan, Edwin, and Sir Gawain, each with hidden motives, ultimately leading to a climactic confrontation with the dragon Querig. Themes of memory, aging, love, and loss are explored in a setting filled with buried sadness and uncertainty. The book contains sensitive topics related to memory loss, death, and violence.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
123,237 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kazuo Ishiguro's The Buried Giant is praised for its evocative prose and exploration of memory, love, and loss. The novel's allegorical nature and its blending of fantasy with historical reality captivate readers. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the narrative structure disjointed, which may challenge reader engagement. Overall, the book is a thought-provoking but divisive read.
Who Should Read The Buried Giant?
A reader who would enjoy The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro is likely a fan of literary fiction with a blend of fantasy and historical elements. They appreciate rich, allegorical storytelling similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and the introspective narrative style of Ishiguro's own Never Let Me Go.
123,237 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Beatrice
Beatrice
A gentle and loving woman who travels with her husband, Axl, to locate their son, often referred to as "princess" by Axl, hinting at a mysterious past.
Wistan
Wistan
A secretive and skilled Saxon warrior whose actions and intentions remain largely hidden, driving significant parts of the narrative.
Edwin
Edwin
A young Saxon boy bitten by a dragon, who becomes entwined with the warrior Wistan and demonstrates notable bravery and potential.
Gawain
Gawain
An aging knight of King Arthur who travels with his horse, Horace, exhibiting both chivalry and complexity in his loyalties and actions.
336
Novel • Fiction
England • Arthurian Legend
2015
Adult
18+ years
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