39 pages • 1 hour read
Kazuo IshiguroA Pale View of Hills
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.