Kazuo Ishiguro

“‘Write about what you know’ is the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard. It encourages people to write a dull autobiography. It’s the reverse of firing the imagination and potential of writers.”

— Kazuo Ishiguro

Life & Background:

Born in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1954 and raised in England from the age of five, Kazuo Ishiguro brings a fresh perspective to his writing. Although he grew up in Britain, his Japanese background influenced some of his early work. He studied creative writing at the University of East Anglia and achieved early acclaim with his debut novel, A Pale View of Hills. Throughout his career, Ishiguro shifted from traditional realist fiction to more speculative and dystopian themes, as seen in works like Never Let Me Go and Klara and the Sun. 

Inspirations:

Influenced by Proust, Chekhov, and film (especially noir and sci-fi), Ishiguro is fascinated by the limitations of memory and language. He’s also noted the impact of songwriters like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen on the lyrical structure of his prose.

Themes in His Work:

• Memory and self-deception: His narrators often grapple with hazy recollections, unsure of what truly happened and what they’ve chosen to forget. Their memories are unreliable and filtered through denial, repression, or self-deception. 

• Emotional restraint: His characters usually avoid expressing strong emotions. They present a calm, controlled exterior, even when dealing with deep feelings of loss or longing.

• Time and regret: Many of his novels focus on how time affects self-understanding. As characters look back, they regret missed opportunities and unchangeable mistakes.

• Control and obedience: In Never Let Me Go and other works, Ishiguro explores how people accept the roles society assigns to them. His characters often internalize systems of control, raising questions about autonomy, conformity, and the limits of resistance.

Notable Works:

• The Remains of the Day (1989)

• Never Let Me Go (2005)

• Klara and the Sun (2021)