When We Were Orphans

Historical Context and Significance

Kazuo Ishiguro's novel «When We Were Orphans», published in 2000, explores themes of memory, identity, and loss through the story of detective Christopher Banks, who attempts to unravel the mystery of his parents' disappearance in 1930s Shanghai. The book combines elements of the detective genre with deep psychological character development, characteristic of Ishiguro's style. The historical context of the novel includes events leading up to World War II and the interwar period atmosphere, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the complex relationships between East and West at the time. The book's cultural impact lies in its ability to raise questions about the nature of memories and their role in shaping personal identity, as well as how the past can influence the present. Ishiguro masterfully creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and melancholy, making the novel a significant contribution to contemporary literature.