A Pale View of Hills

4.5

Cryptic, murky, dark, and riddled with guilt and uncertainty.

We follow the unreliable narration of Etsuko which drifts between her memories of life in Nagasaki with her first husband and an enigmatic neighbouring mother and daughter, as well as the present day in England during a visit from her youngest daughter while she reflects upon the recent suicide of her eldest daughter.

Ishiguro writes equivocally, and you learn quickly not to take everything at its face value. This is hinted at many times by Etsuko spectating on the fogginess of her own memory. His use of allegory to obscure the readers' understanding of his characters words and actions is done masterfully.

It must be read with skepticism, curiosity, patience, and an open mind. And then probably reread, to look for everything you missed the first time. So captivating and intelligent.