Kazuo Ishiguro

The Second World War is over and Japan sets about rebuilding her shattered cities. Masuji Ono, an ageing painter, looks back over his life and assesses a career that has coincided with the rise of Japanese militarism. Once the objects of high renown, his paintings now appear fatally flawed by propagandist concerns.

From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change for ever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.

Kathy, Tommy and Ruth are all products of Hailsham House, a school where they are sheltered from the outside world and subjected to frequent medical checks. As the children grow and mature into adults the sinister purpose of Hailsham becomes apparent.

Axl and Beatrice, set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen for years. They expect to face many hazards - some strange and other-worldly - but they cannot yet foresee how their journey will reveal to them dark and forgotten corners of their love for one another.

Etsuko lives alone in rural England, trying to come to terms with the suicide of her daughter, Keiko. A visit from her other daughter Niki sends Etsuko retreating into the depths of her memory. As Etsuko struggles to cope with her guilt, the lines between the past and the present start to blur.

Stevens, butler to Lord Darlington, put his work and dignity above all things. Now an elderly man he revisits the West Country, and in a reunion with a past love, realises that he has sacrificed his chance of personal happiness. Man Booker Prize Winner.