My copy of
is a 1982 first edition with jacket, of which this is an illustration, of the future Nobel Prize-winning author’s first novel, published by Faber & Faber.
I will do my best to adhere to my normal practice of revealing as little as possible of this somewhat enigmatic tale spanning time and continents after the, until now, most destructive bombing in world history.
We begin with the acknowledgedly unreliable memories of a bereaved mother who has left her Japanese home for England. Her narrative moves backwards and forwards from her 1980s to post-war dwelling. Are the Nagasaki-based mother and child of whom she speaks figures from reality or reflections of herself and her family? Is this a ghost story? Is it possible to leave all behind?
The changing lives and attitudes of the old and the new Japan and its generations is a key element of tension. Is it possible to begin again with fresh attitudes?
The literal and figurative wasteland is in itself a relevant character.
The writing is elegant and spare, although the author’s descriptive skills and somewhat longer sentences come to the fore in part two. Repetition of phrases in brief dialogue between people who don’t listen to each other and use smiling defence slows down the attentive reader and adds to the delicacy of the work.
The “pale view of hills” is seen by possibly lost pensive characters looking out from within their windows. What does this reveal to those who apparently have nothing to look forward to? Can recovery come in their lifetimes or must it wait for future generations.
A most thought-provoking short novel, albeit leaving me with considerable sadness, especially as the world appears to have learned nothing since 1945.
Thank you Derrick. A thought-provoking review of, obviously, a moving, tragic story. I have never read anything by the author, but am familiar with the name.
I have read this book and it made me think and as you have said people have not learnt anything.
Thank you for the review, Derrick. I’ve put the book on my reading list.
Thanks for thoughtful description of “A Pale View of Hills.” Beautiful title. Sounds like a book I would like to read.
I’ve read a few of Ishiguro’s books but I didn’t know he was a Nobel Prize winner until now. Thank you for the information about the author.
Reading opens our minds to so many possibilities. I wonder if politicians read.
Or in some cases even can read.
Good question!
Boy did you say a mouthful about nothing learned from 1945. I can’t disagree with you.???
It sounds like an intriguing book, Derrick. “A most thought-provoking short novel, albeit leaving me with considerable sadness, especially as the world appears to have learned nothing since 1945.” Or perhaps earlier in evolution. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gombe_Chimpanzee_War
Thanks very much, Lavinia. So we haven’t evolved that much
I’ve read some of his other works, but not this one. I think they are all beautifully written and sad.Thank you for the review.
Much appreciated, Merril. This makes me encouraged to have picked up the sadness
You’re welcome. Yes, I’m sure you did pick up on it, if it’s anything like some of his others. A sadness, perhaps felt more by the reader than the character.
Thanks for your sensitive review, Derrick. Yet another book to add to my To Read List.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Such an open and honest review. This books sounds like a heart-grabber. I love books that move me to deep emotions and important thoughts. I will put it on my reading list.
And it IS always shocking and sad to remember that the world hasn’t learned enough or changed enough in all of these years. 🙁
(((HUGS))) ❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
The problm is that the poeple who have learned enough or changed enough aren’t in charge of anything.
Quite so, John. Thanks very much
I so agree with John.
Thanks a lot, Sue
How wonderful to have a first edition copy. I much admire his writing style and storytelling.
Thanks very much, Sheree. I don’t seek out first editions, but back then I did buy some based on current reviews so it is fun to see their futures.
Great buys!
Another interesting book!
Thank you very much, Ribana
Tragic and poignant novel.
Indeed. Thank you very much, Dolly
I never tire of recommending Ishiguro. My favourite is ‘Never Let me Go’. I’m yet to read the book you have talked about today though. It is a reminder.
Thanks very much, Uma
Hi Derrick, this book sounds very revealing. Your lst comment is tragic, but I share your view.
Thanks very much, Robbie
Sounds very thought provoking, Derrick and I understand the sadness.
Thank you very much, AnneMarie