Social Critique and Reader Response Criticism In Kazuo Ishiguro's "When We Were Orphans"

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The essay analyzes how Kazuo Ishiguro's "When We Were Orphans" plays with reader expectations by paralleling its protagonist, Christopher Banks, to Sherlock Holmes. This comparison invites critical scrutiny of Banks' methods through the lens of detective fiction. However, the novel subverts traditional detective narratives, creating a bond between Banks and the reader through the unmet expectations of the genre. The exploration reveals deeper themes beyond a simple mystery, challenging conventions and enriching the reading experience.