Kazuo Ishiguro
05/2019 11/2020
British Arthurian Love War Memory
It was not that Beatrice had believed all would be well once he had arrived; but his presence had made all the difference to her (20)
I must ask them to put their most cherished memories before me (43)
When travelers speak of their most cherished memories, it's impossible for them to disguise the truth. A couple may claim to be bonded by love, but we boatmen may see instead resentment anger, even hatred. Or a great barrenness. Sometimes its a fear of loneliness and nothing more (45)
By what strange skill did your great king heal the scars of war in these lands that traveller can see barely a mark or shadow left of them today? (111)
Your kindness touches me, mistress... But, I'm no scoundrel and I won't take rude advantage of it. What the Saxon says is true. Spare me and I'll do just as he says, for duty allows me no other course. Yet I thank you for your gentle words, and if these are to be my last moments, then I'll leave this world a little more peacefully for them (121)
I won't believe it, sir. How is it possible to hate so deeply for deeds not yet done? The good people who once took shelter here would have kept alive their opes to the end, and surely watched all suffering, of friend and foe, with pity and horror. You're much the senior in years, Master Axl, but in matters of blood it may be I'm the elder and you the youth. I've seen dark hatred as bottomless as the sea on the faces of old women and tender children, and some days felt such hatred myself (142)
What use is a god with boundless mercy, sir? You mock me as a pagan, yet the gods of my ancestors pronounce clearly their ways and punish severely when we break their laws. Your Christian god of mercy gives men license to pursue their greed, their lust for land and blood, knowing a few prayers and a little penance will bring forgiveness and blessing (151)
It was I won their trust, where first there was only fear and hatred. Today our deeds make me a liar and a butcher, and I take no joy in Arthur's victory (213)
Has he fed the fear of that night again and again that it now sits in his belly a giant worm? (221)
There are Britons who tempt our respect, even our love, I know this only too well. But there are now greater things press on us than what each may feel for another. It was Britons under Arthur slaughtered our kind. It was Britons took your mother and mine. We've a duty to hate every man, woman and child of their blood. So promise me this. Should I fall before I pass to you my skills, promise me you'll tend well this hatred in your heart. And should it ever flicker or threaten to die, shield it with care till the flame takes hold again. Will you promise me this, Master Edwin (243)
Should memories return, and among them of times I disappointed you. Or yet of dark deeds I may once have done to make you look at me and see no longer the man you do now. Promise me this at least. Promise, princess, you'll not forget what you feel in your heart for me at this moment. For what good's a memory's returning from the mist if it's only to push away another? (258)
I pushed through the giant nettles-- is it for this I have worn this creaking metal? To defend my shins from these feathery stings? (261)
Age cloaks us both, as the grass and weeds cloak the fields where we once fought and slaughtered (263)
Doesn't every animal, every bird in the sky crave a tender companion? (271)
We all shared something of your anger, sir (273)
A great king, like God himself, must perform deeds mortals flinch from! Do you think there were none that caught my eye? A tender flower or two passed on the way I didn't long to press to my bosom? Is this metal coat to be my only bedfellow? Who calls me a coward, sir? Or a slaughterer of babes? Where were you that day? Were you with us? My helmet! I left it in those woods! But what need of it now? The armor too I'd take off but I fear you all laughing to see the skinned fox beneath! (275)
What kind of god is it, sir, wishes wrongs to go forgotten and unpunished? (285)
Yes, we slaughtered plenty, I admit it, caring not who was strong and who weak. God may not have smilied at us, but we cleansed the land of war (285)
If it's vengeance you crave, it's a thing easily found (293)
Who knows what will come when quick-tongued man make ancient grievances rhyme with fresh desire for land and conquest? (297)
Our son was witness to its, and at an age too old to be fooled with soft words, yet too young to know the many strange ways of our hearts (312)
I absolutely love this book. I think it is the best book I have ever read to date.
I love the complexity of Axel and Beatrice's relationship.
I love the inner workings of Wistan, what he holds.
I love Sir Gawain's way of speaking. His imagined exclaiming! of his thoughts.
I love the way the implications of the monastery tickles my brain
It is a low-key fantasy but high literature. Ishiguro truly does a beautiful job of weaving together the narrative of our main characters: Axel, Beatrice, Master Edwin, Master Wistan, Sir Gawain. Each character could be picked apart an analyzed. Understanding the characters leads to an exploration of rich topics of love, war, vengeance, and memory.
The adventure begins with Axel and Beatrice living in a land where people are strangely forgetful. They set out to find their long lost son and in search of their old, cherished memories. Along the way they come across a warrior, a knight in shining armor, a dragon, and much more.
Everybody should read about this book.
Things to think about:
- Beatrice and Axl
- The boatman
- Sir Gawain (his armor, horse, manner of speaking)
- The warrior (his hate)
- The dragon
Things I have no idea about:
- the thematic significance of the boy
- The monks?