Flashback (first of many...)

From pages 7-12, Ishiguro utilizes the use of a flashback. At this point in the story, the flashback tells the reader a little about the background of Kathy, the protagonist. Ishiguro started her book with direct characterization, but after the first paragraph she switched to indirect characterization. This flashback, in my opinion, was her way of introducing Kathy by way of example. I doubt the others in the flashback play a major role. To me, the flashback brings out Kathy's caring characteristic - maybe why she is a carer now? The flashback was an interesting way to learn the basics about Kathy, but it didn't fill me in on the present. Yet, it did show me a little about Kathy's attachment to her home school Hailsham. I'm curious to learn more about Hailsham, and I wonder if Ishiguro will continue with flashbacks.