A tremendous, and long-awaited novel, from a masterful and versatile writer. This is not quite like anything else he has written, but he does tend not to repeat himself. Set in the years immediately after the death of King Arthur, we're in mythological territory; there are demons and supernatural beasts, Sir Gawain and other knights, there are monks whose activities are suspicious, and there is a quest. There is also a cloud obscuring the peoples memories. It is an epic novel, despite being only a little over 300 pages in length. It encompasses everything from the importance of memories, political strategy, prejudice and discrimination, betrayal and loyalty; and it has a dragon. Ishiguro is a beautiful writer. I suspect this novel may be a Booker contender.