Reviews

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Only show reviews with written explanations

tantoporleer's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

witajnieznajomy's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

"She reached forward and began gently to release the volume from my grasp. I judged it best to look away while she did so, but with her person positioned so closely, this could only be achieved by my twisiting my head away at a somewhat unnatural angle. Miss Kenton continued very gently to prise the book away, practically one finger at a time."

aosagi's review

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

misssleepy's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I read this book and listened tk the audio. I loved the Audi because the audio narrator spoke with the perfect British accent.

I read this book because it was recommended by Coby, Tyler, and Suhas from the 20-Something book club.

I just don’t love Ishiguro’s writing. It can feel kind of boring. It’s also very difficult to see the point the story until the end.

The ending is depressing. I caught myself drawling to that conclusion about 70% through the book. It’s also very relatable. Even today in my own life I find myself obsessing with being this hard worker to find some sort of purpose but the reality is my influence is so little. I can hope that my employer is an influencer that I can be proud of, but inherently nobody of influence is solely good or bad.

The fact that even as Mr Stevens starts to face the regrets of his life, he can only focus on how his new revelations can benefit his relationship with his employer.

I am very curious to watch the movie. I wonder how the film can adapt the narrator and his limited world view.

I understand why this book is recommended and I would recommend it, but I do think knowing somewhat what to expect in terms of the writing style is helpful.

rahrahsayah's review

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

ckchiang's review

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A remarkable book that reminds one of classic literature. Following the life of a butler with snapshots into his past revealed different aspects of class and human life. A book definitely driven more by character than plot, highly recommend!

Favorite line: "One can't be forever dwelling on what might have been. One should realize one has as good as most, perhaps better, and be grateful."