The Gilmore Book Club – Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall, Discussion #1

August 4, 2021

August Book Club Discussion #1 - Nocturnes by Kazuo Ishiguro

Looking for something to do this summer? Want to join a community of readers who love music just as much as you do? Join The Gilmore Book Club – sign up today!

On Wednesday, August 11 at 7 PM ET, we will meet virtually to discuss Stories 1: “Crooner” through Story 3: “Malvern Hills” of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and NightfallParticipants have been emailed a link to the Google Meet. Below you will find the questions we will be discussing at this time.

General Questions:

1. Webster defines nocturne as “a work of art dealing with evening or night; especially: a dreamy pensive composition for the piano.” How does each story qualify as a nocturne? How does Ishiguro use night as a metaphor?

2. In each story, at least one character is deluding him- or herself. Who is the worst offender? How does Ishiguro signal this to the reader?

Crooner”:

3. Why is Janeck’s nationality important? Why does Tony think it’s important? How does Ishiguro use Eastern vs. Western attitudes to further the story?

“Come Rain or Come Shine”:

4. Do you think Ray is really as much of a loser as Charlie and Emily believe him to be? How does your perception of him change over the course of the story?

“Malvern Hills”:

5. What do you think of Tilo and Sonja? Are they artists who have suffered for their music? Or does their relationship with their son hint at something different?

 

Want to begin the discussion before our meeting? Check out The Gilmore Book Club Facebook Group!

Need help finding the book? Check out our local partners! Kalamazoo residents can find books at the Kalamazoo Public Library and at This is A Bookstore & Bookbug, while Battle Creek residents can find them at the Willard Library as well as at This is A Bookstore & Bookbug. This is A Bookstore & Bookbug shoppers will receive 10% off one book and 15% off when purchasing all three!

Have any questions? Email our Digital Media Coordinator, Abigail at [email protected].

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