I read Kazuo Ishiguro's first novel

Kazuo Ishiguro's first novel, A Pale View of the Hills, is about a Japanese woman who remarries, relocates to England, and how her decision to live life in this way is so much similar to Sachiko, the woman she had met long time ago, and her child Mariko who loved cats.

Nowhere is it told blatantly that she is a woman who decides on her own, or is strong. But she does make decisions in the end. She turns out to be a woman with a mind of her own.

The feeling of Japan - Nagasaki and Fukuoka - of England (London, and rural England), and of America - in the American tourist they meet at a fair - are well-blended into the story, without being loud about it. Things are implied, soft and subtle, and one could feel the Japanese etiquette and reverence in the way they spoke.

The effects of World War II, in the thread of the father-in-law coming to visit them comes through clearly. The postcard representation of the War symbols are to an extent funny and humorous to her.

There is an underlying thread of suspense and mystery. There are at least stories beautifully intertwined.