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A review by aclypse
When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I’ve picked up the book because i heard of the author and I wanted to read some of his works. And to say, I wasn't left disappointed, but i did expect something… better.
I was immersed by the first lines – the usage of first-person POV, the atmosphere… but my mind couldn’t comprehend many things. For example, I didn’t understand until about the middle of the book that Christopher is an Englishman – there were so many mentions of Shanghai that i believed he was at least part Chinese. But I believe it to be a mistake on my side as the language is quite challenging for someone whose native language isn't English.
Another one – its slow pace caught me a little off guard. Though I have to admit, the author is a master of managing the reader's attention. He knows when to slow down the pace. He knows when to get in some action scenes so the readers don’t get bored. I haven’t found myself bored even once while reading.
I’ve also noticed Banks often says such phrases as “as i remember” or “i don’t remember correctly…”, and so I’m just wondering, is that an example of an unreliable narrator?
But what this book is truly worthwhile for is the amount of touching quotes, wholesome as well as drastic scenes, and a valuable resource to historical events. Another item on the “advantages” is the half-open ending – i love it when stories don’t answer every question, therefore, manage to stay with us a while longer after finishing it.