The phrase "when we were orphans" refers to a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, published in 2000. It is a story about Christopher Banks, a man who grew up in Shanghai and later becomes a detective in London, driven by the childhood trauma of losing his parents and seeking to uncover the truth behind their disappearance.

Context of the phrase

• The title alludes to childhood loss and perceived orphanhood, but critics and Ishiguro himself have noted that the theme is not deeply developed as an exclusive motif in the book.

• The novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the search for belonging, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Shanghai and post-war London.

Summary of the story

• Christopher's childhood in Shanghai is tinged with intrigue involving his parents' mysterious absences, their political and personal secrets, and his eventual move to London after his parents disappear.

• Throughout the novel, he is haunted by childhood memories and his unresolved quest to find his parents, which reflects broader questions of responsibility and personal duty.

Reception and interpretation

• While it was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, critics have varied opinions. Some found the prose lacking in local color, and others regarded the book's themes as somewhat superficial.

• The narrative is marked by Ishiguro’s characteristic unreliable narration, with Christopher often working through his blind spots and idealized memories.

Conclusion

The phrase "when we were orphans" encapsulates a poignant story about childhood, loss, and the adult's quest for truth, layered with Ishiguro’s subtle exploration of memory and identity. It is rooted in a specific historical setting but speaks universally about the ache of growing up without the security of parents and the ongoing search for belonging.