Part set in London, later moving to Shanghai in the 1930s, this is a book of intrigue and searching for identity.   Christopher Banks was a celebrated detective, well known in England for solving crimes.   However the disappearance of his parents when he was a small boy in Shanghai remains the unsolved crime which drove him back to seek his roots.   Christopher is intrigued by Sarah Hemmings, whom we meet flittingly throughout the book.   He also adopts Jennifer, a young girl who later becomes an important part of his future.   This book explores life in China during troubled times, through the pivotal central character, and will be of interest to readers who enjoy unraveling past personal history.   Shortlisted for the Booker prize 2000, Ishiguru writes clearly and convincingly.