This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Remains of the Day

   

   The novel is a poignant tale of an English butler, Stevens, who reflects on his life and career during a road trip through the English countryside. As he delves into his past, he reveals his unquestioning loyalty to his former employer, Lord Darlington, and his unexpressed love for the housekeeper, Miss Kenton. The narrative explores themes of dignity, duty, and regret, as Stevens comes to terms with his unquestioning devotion to his employer and the missed opportunities in his personal life.

   The 204th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Never Let Me Go

   

   The novel is a haunting tale of three friends, who grow up together at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they mature, they discover a dark secret about their school and the purpose of their existence, which is to become organ donors for the rest of society. The story is a profound exploration of what it means to be human, the morality of scientific innovation, and the heartbreaking reality of love and loss.

   The 267th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Unconsoled

   

   The book follows a renowned pianist who arrives in a Central European city to give a concert. However, his time there becomes increasingly surreal and disjointed as he is pulled in different directions by the demands of the locals, his own past, and his responsibilities. The narrative explores themes of memory, time, and self-delusion, creating a dream-like atmosphere that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.

   The 1552nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. An Artist of the Floating World

   

   This novel is a historical narrative set in post-World War II Japan, focusing on an aging painter who grapples with his past as a propagandist for the imperialist movement. As he navigates the rapidly changing cultural landscape, he faces criticism and ostracism for his role in promoting Japan's militaristic past. The story explores themes of guilt, regret, and the struggle for redemption, offering a nuanced examination of the personal and societal consequences of war.

   The 3062nd Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. A Pale View of Hills

   

   "A Pale View of Hills" is a novel about a Japanese woman named Etsuko, who, after the suicide of her eldest daughter, reflects on her past in post-war Nagasaki. She recalls her friendship with Sachiko, a woman who plans to escape her miserable life by moving to America with her daughter Mariko. The narrative subtly explores themes of memory, guilt, and cultural dislocation while unveiling the complexities of human relationships and the haunting effects of the past on the present.

   The 3804th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Buried Giant

   

   In a mythical post-Arthurian Britain shrouded by a mist of collective amnesia, an elderly Briton couple, Axl and Beatrice, embark on a perilous journey to reunite with their estranged son. Their quest leads them through a landscape of fading memories, where they encounter knights, monks, and mythical creatures, all grappling with their own forgotten pasts. As they confront the remnants of a war between Saxons and Britons, the couple must also face the true nature of the mist and the buried giant it conceals, which holds the key to the fragile peace in their society. Their love and loyalty are tested as they delve into the depths of their own lost memories, revealing the power of forgetting and the cost of remembering.

   The 4934th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Klara And The Sun

   

   The novel centers around Klara, an Artificial Friend with keen observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches the behavior of those who come in to browse, and those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. Set in a dystopian future, the story explores complex themes such as the nature of love, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to be human, all through the eyes of an AI protagonist yearning to understand the people she is meant to serve.

   The 4968th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. When We Were Orphans

   

   Set against the backdrop of interwar England and war-torn Shanghai, this novel follows the life of Christopher Banks, a renowned detective haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his parents during his childhood in China. As he navigates the complexities of his profession and personal life, Banks is driven by an unwavering determination to unravel the truth behind his parents' vanishing. His journey is a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the elusive nature of truth, as he confronts the shadows of his past and the illusions of his present, ultimately questioning the very foundations of his existence.

9. 9. Come Rain Or Come Shine

   

   Set against the backdrop of a reunion between old friends, this poignant narrative explores themes of nostalgia, unfulfilled dreams, and the complexities of human relationships. As the protagonist navigates the delicate balance between past and present, the story delves into the intricacies of friendship, revealing the subtle tensions and unspoken emotions that linger beneath the surface. With a blend of humor and melancholy, the tale captures the essence of life's unpredictability and the enduring bonds that weather the storms of time.
10. 10. Nocturnes

    Five Stories of Music and Nightfall

    

    This collection of five interconnected stories explores the themes of music, love, and the passage of time, weaving together the lives of musicians and their relationships in various stages of their careers. Each narrative delves into the emotional complexities of its characters, revealing their aspirations, regrets, and the poignant moments that define their personal and professional lives. Set against diverse backdrops, from the romantic canals of Venice to the bustling streets of London, these tales capture the bittersweet nature of human connections and the enduring power of music to evoke memories and emotions.

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11. 11. My Twentieth Century Evening And Other Small Breakthroughs

    Reflections on the Nobel Prize

    

    In this collection of essays, the author reflects on pivotal moments and personal insights that have shaped his illustrious writing career. Through a series of intimate and thought-provoking narratives, he explores the intricate interplay between memory, creativity, and the passage of time, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller. The essays delve into the nuances of his literary journey, revealing the small yet significant breakthroughs that have influenced his work and the broader landscape of contemporary literature.

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12. 12. Klara és A Nap

    

    In a near-future society, an observant, solar-powered Artificial Friend is purchased to accompany a sick adolescent and learns about love, loneliness, and social divides through careful observation. As the girl’s condition worsens, the narrator places faith in the healing power of the Sun and confronts unsettling plans to replace the child, resulting in a quietly haunting exploration of devotion, sacrifice, and what it means to be human.

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13. 13. Toen We Wezen Waren

    

    A once-celebrated detective recalls his privileged childhood in Shanghai and the mysterious disappearance of his parents, a trauma that sends him on an obsessive investigation as an adult back to the city of his youth; the narrative blends a classic detective quest with a haunting meditation on memory, loss, identity, and the ways personal history can be distorted by time and longing.

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14. 14. Surullinen Pianisti

    
15. 15. When We Were Orphans By Ishiguro, Kazuo. [Paperback]

    

    A celebrated English detective haunted by the unresolved disappearance of his parents in childhood constructs a methodical but fragile account of the past, then returns to Shanghai to retrace events and vindicate his self-image; as he pursues answers amid rising political tensions, the novel probes how memory, identity and the demands of reputation can both reveal and distort truth, blending mystery with a quietly unsettling meditation on loss and the fading world of imperial Shanghai.

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