Is Banks a reliable narrator? Use three examples from the novel to explore his reliability.

How does Ishiguro utilize the temporal and spatial settings, and to what purpose?

Creative Assignment: Write an alternative ending where Banks reunites with his parents.

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Before You Read

Explore When We Were Orphans reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read When We Were Orphans | SuperSummary

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Get ready to explore When We Were Orphans and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

When We Were Orphans Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “LONDON, 24TH JULY 1930” - Part 2: “LONDON, 15TH MAY 1931”

Chapters 1-6

When We Were Orphans Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “LONDON, 15TH MAY 1931” - Part 3: “LONDON, 12TH APRIL 1937”

Chapters 7-13

When We Were Orphans Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “CATHAY HOTEL, SHANGHAI, 29TH SEPTEMBER 1937” - Part 6: “CATHAY HOTEL, SHANGHAI, 20TH OCTOBER 1937”

Chapters 14-19

When We Were Orphans Chapters 14-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “CATHAY HOTEL, SHANGHAI, 20TH OCTOBER 1937” - Part 7: “LONDON, 14TH NOVEMBER 1958”

Chapters 20-23

When We Were Orphans Chapters 20-23 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

When We Were Orphans Character Analysis

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Themes

When We Were Orphans Themes

Symbols & Motifs

When We Were Orphans Symbols & Motifs

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When We Were Orphans

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