First of all, what a book. I have only read one book from Ishiguro, that one being the remains of the day, and I loved that so I wanted to read another one of his books. Safe to say this one didn’t disappoint. It’s mezmerising how Ishiguro can propel the story forward using such simple plot devices. For example the pencil case. Something so simple, yet manages to bring tension between Kathy and Ruth.

Anyway. My question is about the boat.

Did I miss something or why was the boat such a big deal? Maybe I forgot some paragraph that explained the importance of the boat and why did they go all that way to see it or was it just something they decided to go see because other people were talking about it?

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kittofhousemormont t1_j25ngmm wrote on December 29, 2022 at 9:00 PM

#1,157,752

It's been a few years since I read it, but if I'm remembering it correctly the boat isn't the point of the trip; it's to see the "possible" clone-donor but they can't really outright admit that since they're dissuaded from seeking out these people, so the boat is what they come up with as an excuse.

I may well be wrong. It's been a while, my memory of the book isn't brilliant, and I don't have my copy to check.

SpinusPsaltria t1_j25nqh4 wrote on December 29, 2022 at 9:02 PM

#1,157,819

Replying to kittofhousemormont (#1,157,752)

I read the book a couple months ago and this is what I recall, as well.

It also fits in with the general theme that these characters can find delight in many things that others take for granted.

Ju9e OP t1_j2779jj wrote on December 30, 2022 at 3:31 AM

#1,169,143

Replying to kittofhousemormont (#1,157,752)

I think you mean that completely different trip with Cassie & Rodney where they went and saw Ruth possible.

This boat thing was after that when Tommy and Ruth were already donors.

2ndEmpireBaroque t1_j27h8dn wrote on December 30, 2022 at 4:52 AM

#1,171,169

There’s great pathos in seeing a ruined escape vessel, even if it’s a small adventure taken at potentially great risk. It made me think of Arthur Rimbaud’s Drunken Boat and how it’s journey may have ended.

trisdacunha t1_j27ydqc wrote on December 30, 2022 at 7:56 AM

#1,174,488

I don’t know about the boat, but if you’ve read The Remains of the Day I want to recommend you read An Artist of the Floating World next 👍👍

glitterroo t1_j2e87kc wrote on December 31, 2022 at 4:42 PM

#1,232,496

From what I recall, the boat was mainly an excuse for an outing together. One of those random things you do with friends where the point is just to go somewhere, except set in a drearier world than ours.

The boat can also have symbolism, etc, as others have said - I agree with that.

But as far as the characters' motivations, it's a reason to get out for a while.

Ju9e OP t1_j2fnvkq wrote on December 31, 2022 at 10:45 PM

#1,252,107

Replying to glitterroo (#1,232,496)

Okay so I didn’t miss anything. That’s what I thought. Thanks!