39 pages • 1 hour read
A Pale View of Hills
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Book Brief
183
Novel • Fiction
Nagasaki, Japan • Post-World War II
1982
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro explores the intertwined narratives of Etsuko, a Japanese woman living in England, who reflects on her past in post-WWII Nagasaki. Through recollections of her past friendship with Sachiko and interactions with her daughter, Etsuko confronts her memories and struggles with loss, cultural displacement, and the complexities of parenthood. Sensitive topics include suicide and the drowning of animals.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Serene
Reviews & Readership
39,333 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kazuo Ishiguro's A Pale View of Hills has been lauded for its evocative prose and deep psychological insight into post-war Japan and personal trauma. Reviewers praise the narrative's subtlety and emotional depth. However, some find the story's ambiguity and deliberate pacing challenging. Despite mixed feelings on its pace, it’s generally considered a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read A Pale View of Hills?
Readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven novels with a focus on memory, grief, and post-war themes will likely enjoy Kazuo Ishiguro's A Pale View of Hills. Fans of Ishiguro's own The Remains of the Day or Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway may find this novel particularly compelling for its subtle narrative and emotional depth.
39,333 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jiro Ogata
Jiro Ogata
Etsuko's first husband, depicted as a traditional and emotionally distant figure who is absorbed in his career. His relationship with Etsuko is marked by a lack of warmth and emotional connection.
Niki
Niki
Etsuko's younger daughter from her second marriage, who lives a modern life in London. She represents a Western perspective and is disconnected from her older sister Keiko and her Japanese heritage.
Sachiko
Sachiko
A mysterious woman with a daughter, Mariko, who appears as an outsider in the story. Her interactions with Etsuko and her circumstances introduce themes of immigration and maternal challenges.
183
Novel • Fiction
Nagasaki, Japan • Post-World War II
1982
Adult
18+ years
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