Book: When We Were Orphans

"When We Were Orphans" by Kazuo Ishiguro unfolds the intriguing tale of Christopher Banks, a renowned British detective, as he embarks on a deeply personal quest. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century London and Shanghai, the narrative intricately weaves mystery with poignant reflections on memory and identity. Orphaned at a young age when his parents mysteriously disappeared in Shanghai, Banks is driven by the determination to uncover the truth behind their vanishing. His journey is both a detective's pursuit and a voyage through his haunted childhood, with Shanghai's tumultuous political climate mirroring his inner turmoil. As Banks delves deeper, his perceptions of reality and fantasy blur, prompting readers to question the reliability of memory and the nature of self-deception. Ishiguro masterfully captures the era's ambiance and psychological depth, inviting readers into a world where the past lingers like an unsolved case, and the quest for resolution becomes a poignant exploration of one's origins and the cornerstone of identity.