This first novel by Nobel Prize Winner Kazio Ishiguro is a beautiful narrative that is both surprising and satisfying. It takes place during the last part of King Arthur’s reign when things were peaceful, but old antagonisms between Saxons and Britons were to rise up again. The dialogue is believable and will stay with you!
There is a Saxon Warrior named Wistan sent by his lord, Lord Brennus to find the she- dragon that has been protected by Sir Gawain and Arthur’s reign to keep peace in the area. The she-dragon cleverly breathes out a mist that makes people forget all past grievances—a kind of memory loss.
A couple who live in one of the Briton villages goes on a quest for their son; who left the village years ago. The mist has prevented them from knowing what has happened to him.
The couple is old and seemingly devoted to one another—but there are secrets. They are accompanied by a young boy who was bitten by something and the villagers think it was a fiend; that he will himself turn into a fiend, and so therefore has been expelled. Ishiguro rightly describes the fears and superstitions of this time.
It is predicted that Edwin, the young boy, will be a warrior.
Beatrice, (the wife) believes that sprites are causing her physical pain, and seeks out medicinals and people who can help her.
The threesome meet Sir Gawain on the road. At this point he is an elderly knight. Now it is 5 people and a variety of experiences common to the time, and expressed beautifully by the author.
They stay for a period of time at a monastery, where flagellation is exposed. They come upon a monster that needs to be slain by Gawain. There is a battle here in the old stone tower and Wisten survives it. Wistan makes Edwin promise he will always hate Britons.
The old couple leave the monastary. “The mist hangs heavily across my past”, says Axl (the husband). Axl’s past is later exposed—part of it being a falling out with King Arthur and another part an indiscretion (an affair).
The giant’s cairn is where the she-dragon lives. There is tension between Wistan and Sir Gawain who eventually will take to battle.
The couple remain fixed upon their mission but witness everything. They are always loving with each other, and remain focused on finding their son.
When finally they are close to the cairn, Sir Gawain says to Wistan” I hope Querig’s (the she dragon) breath will rob you of memory of why you are beside me.!” As they get closer to the cairn, Sir Gawain says “Leave her alone; she still has magic in her breath for PEACE between peoples---be merciful, Wistan; let her do her work for another season.”
Sir Gawain is slain-Wistan kills the she dragon to make way for a new conquest. Old hatreds are revived. Custom and suspicion have always divided people---there is a fresh desire for land!
Finally Axl and Beatrice are on their way again. They come upon a boatman who can help them cross to an island where their son may be. Beatrice remembers something—that they quarreled. The mist is lifting, and old complaints return.
The boatman insists on taking each one separately. Axl says: “Can it be we are talking about going our ways sperately?”
“Farewell, Axl!”
“Farewell, my own true love.!”
Axl leaves Beatrice; we get the sense that a forever love becomes a forever loss.
Comments