Top 11 Ishiguro Books

Jennifer Marsh
9 min readSep 28, 2024

Delve into the mesmerizing world of Ishiguro Books, where stories come to life and readers embark on a journey of self-discovery. This roundup article provides a comprehensive guide to some of the most noteworthy titles by award-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. From thought-provoking mysteries to profound explorations of the human condition, come explore the diverse landscape of Ishiguro's literary works and why they have captured the hearts of millions.

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1. Never Let Me Go

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From Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro comes the hauntingly atmospheric and suspenseful novel, Never Let Me Go. Set in an exclusive English boarding school, the story follows three former students - Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy - as they navigate their shared past and reconnect as adults. The narrative takes a dark twist, exploring the mysterious nature of the boarding school, their strange identity, and the impact it has on their relationships.

With its Gothic undertones, masterful storytelling, and a poignant exploration of what makes us human, Never Let Me Go is a must-read for fans of Ishiguro's other works, such as The Remains of the Day and Klara and the Sun.

  • Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Publisher: Vintage Canada
  • Published Date: March 19, 2009
  • Page Count: 274
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.5
  • Ratings Count: 4.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. The Remains of the Day

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Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

Experience the captivating world of Kazuo Ishiguro, a Nobel Prize-winning author, in his Booker Prize-winning novel, "The Remains of the Day. " This intriguing tale follows Stevens, a meticulous butler who devoted three decades of his life to serving at Darlington Hall. As he embarks on a country drive, Stevens takes on a journey through his past, searching for reassurance in the face of doubts about the true nature of his service to the great gentleman, Lord Darlington.

Lurking within his memories are haunting questions about Lord Darlington's intentions, and Stevens must confront the possibility that his own life has been impacted in ways he never imagined. Kazuo Ishiguro masterfully paints a vivid portrait of this enigmatic and complex character, giving readers a profound and immersive experience.

"The Remains of the Day" is a beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of loyalty, integrity, and the human condition in the aftermath of World War II. With a page count of 258, this compelling and thought-provoking work delivers an unforgettable reading experience. Don't miss your chance to dive into Stevens' world and explore the depths of his dedication, self-reflection, and the choices that shaped his life.

  • Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: July 15, 2010
  • Page Count: 258
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 11.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. An Artist of the Floating World

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An Artist of the Floating World, a masterpiece by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, transports readers to post-World War II Japan. Protagonist Masuji Ono, once a celebrated artist, grapples with the remnants of his past as he navigates the aftermath of the war.

Ono's artistic endeavors were once dedicated to the celebration of physical beauty, but as his homeland crumbled, so did his resolve. He chose to serve the imperialist movement that led Japan into a disastrous war. Now, as he faces the consequences of his choices, Ono finds solace in the memories of his youth and the "floating world, " a world filled with pleasure, entertainment, and drink.

As Ono reflects on his life, he searches for redemption amid the chaos and turmoil of his past. As a hero and a coward, Ono embodies the complexities of human nature, inviting readers to question morality and the role of art in a conflicted world.

An Artist of the Floating World is a poignant exploration of human nature, offering a captivating journey into the complexities of the post-war Japanese experience.

  • Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: September 05, 2012
  • Page Count: 212
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. The Unconsoled

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Dive into the whimsical and unexpected world of Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Unconsoled. " As a renowned pianist grapples with the intricate details of his public life, he finds himself navigating a landscape of surreal, eerie, and comical twists. The captivating narrative, penned by the author of "The Remains of the Day, " unfolds in a seamless fusion of strangeness and familiarity.

With its enthralling storyline and intricate layers, "The Unconsoled" is a mesmerizing journey that will leave you questioning the line between reality and imagination.

  • Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: September 05, 2012
  • Page Count: 546
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. Joni Mitchell

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In Her Own Words

Unveil the complex and captivating world of Joni Mitchell in this unique literary offering, Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words, penned by acclaimed journalist and close friend, Malka Marom. Spanning seven tumultuous and triumphant decades, Marom weaves tales of unforgettable conversations, insightful anecdotes, and heartfelt revelations, while offering a raw and honest portrayal of the legendary singer-songwriter's career. With lyrical verses, evocative paintings, and intimate photographs, this compelling narrative leaves no stone unturned in the exploration of Joni's journey - from her humble beginnings to her status as a global icon.

Unfold the secrets of her artistry, her tumultuous love life, her relentless pursuit of creativity, and her undying dedication to her craft in this enriching and enlightening book.

  • Authors: Malka Marom
  • Publisher: ECW Press
  • Published Date: September 01, 2014
  • Page Count: 330
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Music
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. The Buried Giant

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A novel

Discover the luminous world of "The Buried Giant" and dive into the forgotten memories of a post-Arthurian Britain. Follow the enchanting journey of Axl and Beatrice, an elderly British couple, as they embark on a mission to visit their long-lost son.

As their vivid past struggles to resurface amidst the strange mist that causes mass amnesia, they are joined on their odyssey by a Saxon warrior, his young orphan charge, and a renowned knight. Join the unforgettable characters in this mesmerizing, poignant, and deeply moving exploration of the power of memory and the human spirit.

  • Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: March 03, 2015
  • Page Count: 283
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Two-World Literature

Kazuo Ishiguro’s Early Novels

Discover a fresh perspective on world literature with Rebecca Suter's intriguing analysis of Kazuo Ishiguro's early novels. Explore how Ishiguro's unique cultural background and storytelling allow him to challenge and subvert Western stereotypes while addressing universal human concerns.

By examining Ishiguro's first three novels, Suter reveals the complexity behind his narrative strategies, revealing a more nuanced understanding of both individual and collective identity. Delve into the worlds of A Pale View of Hills, An Artist of the Floating World, and The Remains of the Day, witnessing how they defy the traditional "one-world vision. " This book is an essential read for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of literary criticism, providing valuable insights into the depths of Ishiguro's work.

  • Authors: Rebecca Suter
  • Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
  • Published Date: May 31, 2020
  • Page Count: 161
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Literary Criticism
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Escape Routes

'Winsomely Written and Engagingly Quirky' the Sunday Times

Escape Routes, woven together with the mesmerizing magic of Naomi Ishiguro, is a riveting collection of stories that blur the line between reality and imagination. In these tales, characters from all walks of life yearn for freedom, and with a twist of fate, they find themselves transported into uncharted realms, where the impossible becomes possible. From the cosmos of a child's dreams in "Shearing Season" to the enchanting encounter between a musician and a flock of birds in "The Flat Roof, " Ishiguro's vivid prose and captivating storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Journey into the whimsical world of Escape Routes and let your own fantasies take flight.

  • Authors: Naomi Ishiguro
  • Publisher: Tinder Press
  • Published Date: January 21, 2021
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. Klara and the Sun

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A novel

Klara and the Sun is a literary masterpiece from Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, exploring the intricacies of love and artificial intelligence. Set in a near-future world where artificial friends are a ubiquitous part of everyday life, Klara is one such friend who longs for a human connection.

With her keen observation skills, she watches the world around her, patiently waiting for someone to choose her. As the novel unfolds, Klara's story takes on profound dimensions, delving into the complexities of human-robot relationships and the very essence of love.

Engaging, thought-provoking, and beautifully written, Klara and the Sun is a must-read for fans of Kazuo Ishiguro and fans of dystopian fiction alike.

  • Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: March 02, 2021
  • Page Count: 273
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. Klara and the Sun

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Klara and the Sun is an enchanting and thought-provoking novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, the brilliant author behind Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day. Set in a world of breathtaking imagination, Klara and the Sun explores the power of love in unexpected ways. Join us as we discover how a seemingly ordinary girl navigates the complexities of human nature and artificial intelligence, all while asking critical questions about what it truly means to love and be loved.

In his first novel since being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, Ishiguro masterfully weaves together an intricate tale that is at once tender and restrained. Through the story of Klara, we are offered a glimpse into the depths of the human experience, and reminded that sometimes it's the relationships we form with those who are different from us that truly matter.

Klara and the Sun is an enthralling 307-page journey that will leave you pondering long after the final page has been turned. With its engaging, evocative prose and exquisite world-building, this novel showcases Ishiguro's unparalleled skill as a master storyteller. Prepare to delve into a world of love, humanity, and the mysteries of artificial intelligence, all crafted by one of the most acclaimed and celebrated authors of our time.

  • Authors: Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Published Date: March 05, 2021
  • Page Count: 307
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Artificial intelligence
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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11. Japanese Perspectives on Kazuo Ishiguro

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Discover the unique perspectives of Japan on Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro in this captivating collection of essays. This insightful volume dives into Ishiguro's roots, exploring the profound influences of Japanese culture and sensibilities on his remarkable body of work. Analyzing the intertwining of Japanese literature, film, and folk tales in Ishiguro's early novels, the book also delves into his later works and their connections to modern Japanese popular culture.

With access to newly archived manuscript drafts from the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, this book presents fascinating insights into Ishiguro's origins and his significant connections to memory studies, particularly in relation to Japan. Join renowned authors Takayuki Shonaka, Takahiro Mimura, and Shinya Morikawa as they provide fresh, analytical perspectives on this exceptional, internationally acclaimed author.

  • Authors: Takayuki Shonaka, Takahiro Mimura, Shinya Morikawa
  • Publisher: Springer Nature
  • Published Date: January 03, 2024
  • Page Count: 317
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Literary Criticism
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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