This novel is a historical narrative set in post-World War II Japan, focusing on an aging painter who grapples with his past as a propagandist for the imperialist movement. As he navigates the rapidly changing cultural landscape, he faces criticism and ostracism for his role in promoting Japan's militaristic past. The story explores themes of guilt, regret, and the struggle for redemption, offering a nuanced examination of the personal and societal consequences of war.

In this novel, a London wine merchant is living a seemingly comfortable life with his wife when his world is turned upside down by a series of shocking revelations. His wife confesses to an affair with her psychoanalyst, who is also his best friend, and plans to leave him. As he grapples with this betrayal, he begins an affair with his sister-in-law, only to discover that she is also involved with his wife's lover. The protagonist is forced to confront his own selfishness and immaturity as he navigates this tangled web of relationships.

"A Pale View of Hills" is a novel about a Japanese woman named Etsuko, who, after the suicide of her eldest daughter, reflects on her past in post-war Nagasaki. She recalls her friendship with Sachiko, a woman who plans to escape her miserable life by moving to America with her daughter Mariko. The narrative subtly explores themes of memory, guilt, and cultural dislocation while unveiling the complexities of human relationships and the haunting effects of the past on the present.