When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro

Holiday essentials.

A book and the perfect bag to fit said book into at all times. Oh and sunnies + cream, obvs.

I love Kazuo Ishiguro. And by love, I mean real earth-shattering adoration. I’m grateful to #bookstagram for many things but starting his books via Klara and the Sun which we were so kindly sent an advanced copy of by @faberbooks was a total game changer.

Ishiguro’s words speak to me on another level. I find I read his books slower than any others because I spend so much time in awe of how he structures his sentences. The phrases he uses. His pace and his pitch. For me, each page is honestly a work of art. And I’m not exaggerating.

This one is no different. When We Were Orphans made it into my suitcase thanks to my eldest who felt I hadn’t packed enough books. I had Remains Of The Day on my Ishiguro list next but I’m so glad she chose this — a novel that Chaya bought me for my birthday and the lovely @deborah_joseph recommended to me, calling it one of the most emotionally enduring books she’s ever read. I’m only 100 pages in (taking it slowly, remember) but I know already that I’m going to feel the same ~ Sophie

Order your copy here.