Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro

Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro reflects a picture,

An elderly artist, who once produced propaganda for the Japanese during World War II, now grapples with evaluating his life’s work in the aftermath of the conflict. Ono’s artistic journey began with familial disapproval, as his father opposed his pursuit of artistry. Moving to the city depicted in the novel as a young man. Ono sustains himself by creating paintings for foreign exports. His talent captures the attention of Mori-san, a notable artist and arts patron, leading Ono to spend seven years in Mori-san’s villa.

Under the influence of the nationalist Matsuda, Ono alters his painting style to endorse Japanese imperialism. Throughout the war and its preceding years, Ono’s propagandist artwork elevate his standing in the city. However, the discrediting of nationalist ideologies post-war results in Ono’s forced retirement. Despite grappling with the realization that his artistic endeavors supported a misguided nationalistic agenda, Ono finds solace in believing he made a sincere contribution and pursued what he deemed meaningful.

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Ono silently carries the burden of losing his wife Michiko and son Kenji in the war. He perceives the younger generation’s disdain for his era’s traditions as excessive, particularly in the wake of wartime devastation. Ono’s focus shifts towards arranging his youngest daughter Noriko’s marriage, though she harbors resentment towards him due to his perceived unsavory past.

Furthermore, Ono nurtures a close bond with his grandson, Ichiro. As the novel progresses, his daughter Setsuko challenges Ono’s perception of his artistic legacy, suggesting he may have overestimated his influence on Japan’s fate or even on his daughter’s failed engagement, reducing him to merely a painter.

[Longhorn Publishers]