Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Buried Giant summary
Brief summary
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro is a captivating tale set in post-Roman Britain. It delves into the themes of memory, love, and the consequences of forgetting, all within a world filled with mystical creatures and a lingering mist of forgetfulness.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Buried Giant
Summary of key ideas
The Journey of Axl and Beatrice
In The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro, we are introduced to Axl and Beatrice, an elderly couple living in a post-Arthurian Britain. They embark on a journey to visit their son, who they can barely remember due to a mysterious mist that shrouds the land, causing collective amnesia. This mist, the 'buried giant' of the title, has caused people to forget not only recent events but also significant portions of their personal histories.
As Axl and Beatrice travel, they encounter various characters, including a Saxon warrior named Wistan and a young boy named Edwin. Wistan is on a mission to kill a dragon, while Edwin is a boy with a mysterious past. The group's journey is fraught with danger, both from the physical threats they face and the emotional turmoil caused by their forgotten memories.
The Unearthing of Painful Memories
As they travel, Axl and Beatrice's memories begin to resurface, revealing a past filled with pain and regret. They recall a time when their village was divided by a bitter conflict between Britons and Saxons, a conflict that led to the death of their only child. They also remember a terrible secret they have been keeping from each other, a secret that has strained their relationship for years.
Wistan, too, has a painful past. He was once a part of a group of knights who committed unspeakable atrocities in the name of their king. Edwin, the young boy, is revealed to be a dragon, a creature that has the power to control the mist of forgetfulness. The mist, it turns out, was created to help people forget the horrors of the past, but it has also caused them to forget the good memories and important lessons.
The Dragon's Role
The dragon, Querig, is not the typical fire-breathing monster of legend. Instead, she is a wise and philosophical creature who engages in deep conversations with the characters. She explains that the mist was her way of helping the people cope with the trauma of their past, but she also acknowledges that it has caused them to forget important truths and lessons.
Querig's death at the hands of Wistan marks the end of the mist, and the beginning of a new era for the people. However, it also means that the people will have to confront the painful memories they have been trying to forget. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of memory, the role of forgetting in healing, and the consequences of remembering.
The Final Revelation
As the story nears its end, a shocking revelation is made. Axl and Beatrice's son, whom they have been so desperate to see, is revealed to be a victim of the same conflict that tore their village apart. In a heart-wrenching twist, it is revealed that they had chosen to forget this painful truth, and their journey was an attempt to reunite with their son in a blissful state of ignorance.
In the end, Axl and Beatrice choose to forget once more, opting for a peaceful oblivion over the painful truth. The novel concludes with the couple holding hands, walking back into the mist, and choosing to forget everything once again. Their decision raises profound questions about the nature of memory, the role of truth in our lives, and the human capacity for forgiveness and resilience.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Buried Giant about?
The Buried Giant is a captivating novel by Kazuo Ishiguro that delves into themes of memory, love, and the impact of collective forgetting. Set in a post-Arthurian Britain, the story follows an elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, as they embark on a journey to find their long-lost son. Along the way, they encounter mystical beings and uncover buried secrets that force them to confront their own forgotten past. This thought-provoking tale challenges the reader to ponder the consequences of remembering and forgetting in shaping our lives and society.
The Buried Giant Review
The Buried Giant (2015) by Kazuo Ishiguro takes us on a journey through a mythical, post-Arthurian England where a couple embarks on a quest to find their lost memories. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With subtle allegory and masterful storytelling, it explores the themes of love, memory, and the price of forgetting in a way that resonates deeply.
- The book examines the complexities of relationships and the enduring power of love, reminding us of the choices we make and the consequences they bring.
- Through its mystery and suspense, it keeps readers captivated, provoking thought and leaving a lasting impression.
Who should read The Buried Giant?
- Readers who enjoy exploring themes of memory, love, and loss
- Those interested in historical fiction with a touch of fantasy
- People who appreciate thought-provoking and allegorical storytelling
Categories with The Buried Giant
Book summaries like The Buried Giant
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
36 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Buried Giant FAQs
What is the main message of The Buried Giant?
The main message of The Buried Giant is the importance of memory and the power of forgetting.
How long does it take to read The Buried Giant?
The reading time for The Buried Giant varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Buried Giant a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Buried Giant is a thought-provoking read that explores themes of love, loss, and the nature of memory. It is definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of The Buried Giant?
The author of The Buried Giant is Kazuo Ishiguro.
What to read after The Buried Giant?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Buried Giant, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda