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mr_b_read's review against another edition
5.0
As humans, we struggle with the notion that language is meant to exact and express our perception of reality, when in reality, it lays bare the limitations of our perception and inability to express. No protagonist has ever managed to do so with such profoundly frustrating formality as Ishiguro’s Stevens. The Remains of the Day is an absolute triumph, a modern classic that is as bitingly critical of a misguided notions of great men and those who follow them as it is a sobering reflection on life and potential.
Ishiguro accomplishes a monumental feat in his mastery of language. In reminiscing, Stevens is able to succinctly deliver his life philosophies and maddening convictions while never allowing his tempered visage of the most astute British butler to falter. It is only in the final portion of the text that the weight of his contemplation catches up with him, allowing his carefully constructed countenance a moment of reprieve. It is a tragic, yet beautiful text, proof of the hope that even the oldest and most settled of us might still be able to learn something through introspection. Will Stevens ever know peace? It is not for us to say or know, but his final thoughts of the rewards found in potential give us something to aspire towards. Perhaps you might not agree with his belief that great men should mold the world and those lesser should strive to uphold said moldings- but Stevens himself is a relic of the age of such beliefs, and his sense of purpose is still worth appreciating and embracing. If it is on the individual to propose their definition of terms such as greatness, dignity, and purpose, then we will live our lives in adherence to such principals. But we must always be mindful of those values in relation to our sense of happiness and belonging, as Ishiguro reminds us that these often unspoken, precious concepts are at the core of our identity.
I can’t recommend this book enough.
Ishiguro accomplishes a monumental feat in his mastery of language. In reminiscing, Stevens is able to succinctly deliver his life philosophies and maddening convictions while never allowing his tempered visage of the most astute British butler to falter. It is only in the final portion of the text that the weight of his contemplation catches up with him, allowing his carefully constructed countenance a moment of reprieve. It is a tragic, yet beautiful text, proof of the hope that even the oldest and most settled of us might still be able to learn something through introspection. Will Stevens ever know peace? It is not for us to say or know, but his final thoughts of the rewards found in potential give us something to aspire towards. Perhaps you might not agree with his belief that great men should mold the world and those lesser should strive to uphold said moldings- but Stevens himself is a relic of the age of such beliefs, and his sense of purpose is still worth appreciating and embracing. If it is on the individual to propose their definition of terms such as greatness, dignity, and purpose, then we will live our lives in adherence to such principals. But we must always be mindful of those values in relation to our sense of happiness and belonging, as Ishiguro reminds us that these often unspoken, precious concepts are at the core of our identity.
I can’t recommend this book enough.
rosalieshyu's review against another edition
5.0
After finishing this book, I found myself re-reading the most meaningful passages while crying in a cramped lobby of a Chicago pizza restaurant. Possibly my new favorite book.
wlucchesi's review against another edition
4.0
Such beautiful, beautiful book... so wonderfully written.
jillybebe's review against another edition
5.0
Classic British novel written by...a Japanese! He deservedly won the Nobel for this novel alone.
Pleasant reread.
Pleasant reread.
greenapples8710's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.25
northfox80's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sajina's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't enjoy the endless ramblings of a butler, it bored me very much, though Ishiguro's engaging writing style kept me reading until the end.
maxerblaster's review against another edition
4.0
I really don't know what to say about this book. It's gonna stay with me for a long time. And I found myself mentally screaming at the characters to just say what they mean/feel.
sppduck's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the most beautifully crafted, surprisingly delicate novels I've ever read. It makes you ache in ways that are difficult to describe. I laughed and cried in equal measure, and am sure I will revisit this story again, knowing now how it all turns out. Simply gorgeous.