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Kazuo Ishiguro

When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro

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Description

“When We Were Orphans” is a novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro, the acclaimed British author known for his introspective and emotionally resonant storytelling. Published in 2000, this novel is a captivating exploration of memory, identity, and the unreliability of one’s recollections.

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Shanghai and London, “When We Were Orphans” follows the life of Christopher Banks, a renowned British detective who returns to Shanghai, his childhood home, to solve the mystery of his parents’ disappearance. As a young boy, Christopher’s parents vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving him to grow up in the care of an aunt in England. His memories of his early years in Shanghai are filled with both nostalgia and a sense of abandonment.

The novel delves into Christopher’s obsession with solving the enigma of his parents’ disappearance, a pursuit that consumes his life and becomes entwined with his career as a detective. As he navigates the intricacies of his personal and professional life, Christopher’s journey is marked by his encounters with a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.

Kazuo Ishiguro’s writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight. “When We Were Orphans” explores themes of memory, loss, and the malleability of truth, challenging the reader to question the reliability of the narrator’s perspective. The novel blurs the lines between reality and imagination, inviting readers to contemplate the ways in which our memories shape our understanding of the past and the present.

Throughout the narrative, Ishiguro weaves a rich tapestry of historical and cultural elements, providing a vivid sense of time and place in both Shanghai and London during the early 20th century. The novel’s settings serve as more than mere backdrops; they become integral to the exploration of identity and the passage of time.

“When We Were Orphans” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that invites readers to contemplate the nature of memory, the complexities of personal history, and the enduring quest for answers. As with Ishiguro’s other works, it offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the mysteries that shape our lives. Whether you are a fan of literary fiction or drawn to stories of introspection and self-discovery, this novel is a compelling and evocative read.

4 reviews for When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro

  1. Pramjit Brar (Verified Purchase)

    I thought the book was very slow to start with. It did pick up and there were interesting insights to pre-war China, still suffering from the (British) opium trade and European racism. Ultimately, satisfying.

  2. Raju Pradhan (Verified Purchase)

    The brutal trauma the young boy experienced Is heartbreakingly painful. The 2nd half the book describes the lost cause of the now grownup man who desperately and vainly tries to deal with the aftermath of the trauma in the equally poignant and haunting way. This book is definitely one of the best I have ever read.

  3. VASU REDDY (Verified Purchase)

    This story was a moving account of youthful dreams brought on from personal tragedy, to the reality of political expediencies. It engrossed me from the start, with its subtle portrayal of rascism and the colonial legacy.

  4. Jeevan Kumar (Verified Purchase)

    For the first third of the book (which I enjoyed the most) I had no idea where the story was heading and now, having finished, I am not quite sure what it was saying. Much to enjoy however, I just love losing myself in the endlessly civilised, thoughtful, almost poetic use of language that marks every sentence of Kazuo Ishiguro’s writing.

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