Fugu Runs in The Family
Fugu is a traditional Japanese fish that's been a part of Japan's culture for
many years. Kazuo Ishiguro's "A Family Supper" is the story of a family that is
recovering from the loss of their mother due to fugu poisoning a few years ago.
The boy in the family has lived in California for some time and decides to move
back to Japan to stay with his father. Upon his arrival, a series of clues lead us to
believe that the dinner his father has prepared will be their last.
The first spoken line of the story comes from the boy's father asking him,
"Did you eat on the plane?" He implies that he only had a snack and the father
insists by saying, "You must be hungry. We'll eat as soon as Kikuko arrives." His
father's overbearing concern with the food is unusual; he didn't bother to ask how
the flight was or anything of that nature.
Kazuo Ishiguro (b. 1954), British writer
Kikuko & Hoim
kikukoWe learn that his father's firm has just
collapsed and how pure samurai blood actually runs in their family. In shame of
their company's failure, his father's partner Watanabe took his own life. The boy,
curious to know what his father will do now, asks if he will go into business again.
An awkward pause takes place; his father replies, "I am-in retirement" (568).
Does this mean he's done working or does it mean he will retire forever after they
eat dinner?
Kukiko, the boy's sister arrives at the house and immediately the father
heads to the kitchen to check on dinner. The boy and Kukiko step outside to talk
and catch up on a few things. During their conversation Kukiko says, "Mother
never really blamed you, you know. She always used to say to me...