The Dialogue Society Book Group - Meeting 18: A Pale View of Hills, by Kazuo Ishiguro

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 18:30 in Community Engagement

Venue: AEF, 49 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Date:Thursday, 7th December 2017
Time: 18:30-20:30

Publisher's synopsis of A Pale View of Hills, by Kazuo Ishiguro:

In his highly acclaimed debut, Kazuo Ishiguro tells the story of Etsuko, a Japanese woman now living alone in England, dwelling on the recent suicide of her daughter. Retreating into the past, she finds herself reliving one particular hot summer night in Nagasaki, when she and her friends struggled to rebuild their lives after the war. But then as she recalls her strange friendship with Sachiko - a wealthy woman reduced to vagrancy - the memories take on a disturbing cast.

About the Dialogue Society Book Group

The Dialogue Society Book Group explores the capacity of books to provide windows into different cultural and intercultural worlds. We will be choosing a series of quality novels to read and then to discuss together at relaxed, sociable gatherings at the Dialogue Society. Participants are welcome to suggest books for future sessions.

Participants will need to find a copy of the book chosen for each meeting and will need to read it prior to the meeting. Books will generally be available from local libraries.

Over refreshments we will have a conversation about the book and our responses to it. Discussion may cover:

  • the quality of the storytelling
  • the authenticity and accuracy with which a historical/cultural situation is portrayed
  • our personal responses to it

You do not need to be an expert on literature or anything else to join in. The group should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys a good book and likes discovering new ones.

Prospective books for future sessions (NB we are open to suggestions)

  • Arab in America, by Toufic El Rassi
  • Harare North, By Brian Chikwava
  • Pearl of China, Anchee Min
  • Nervous Conditions, Tsitsi Dangarembga
  • Touch the water, touch the wind, Amos Oz

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