The quote "Recalling the dream was like trying to follow a ship into fog" from Henning Mankell's "One Step Behind" illustrates the difficulty of remembering dreams. It suggests that dreams can be elusive and indistinct, much like a ship that fades away in a thick fog. This image evokes the frustration of grasping fleeting thoughts and memories, highlighting the complexity of the subconscious mind.

Mankell's comparison emphasizes the transient nature of dreams and the struggle associated with fully capturing their essence. Just as one might lose sight of a ship when enveloped by fog, the act of recalling a dream can leave a person feeling lost and disoriented, underscoring the challenge of understanding our innermost thoughts and feelings through their ephemeral nature.