Scan barcode
lemonsaurus's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Xenophobia and Antisemitism
lithic's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
oceanwriter's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
At first, I found the book painfully slow (and admittedly uninteresting). Though I can't say it exactly picked up the pace, I got more invested. I enjoyed the exploration of Stevens' reserved relationships and the dedication to his work. The messages of the story are subtle. Compared to other books not a lot happens, but that somehow seems to resonate deeper. Even though the book is being told by Stevens, Miss Kenton's longing comes through strongly despite the wall Stevens' has built surrounding any sort of intimacy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Grief, War, and Death
bisexualwentworth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This is one of the best books I've ever read. I just didn’t necessarily enjoy it. It’s a fascinating, layered, beautifully-written character study of one of the most boring characters I’ve ever encountered. He’s a deeply tragic figure in a lot of ways, but wow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Antisemitism
Moderate: War, Grief, Racism, and Death
prynne31's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Death of parent
literarypaiges's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was my first book by Kazuo Ishiguro and I see why so many people love his work. The Remains of the Day is a beautifully crafted, slow moving journey through the memories and pondering of an old-fashioned, proud English butler named Stevens.
Stevens is cold and refined, and yet also contemplative in a way that feels warm despite his own pointed detachment from his surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a narrator so unreliable who also has such a distinctive voice. I’ve never read a book quite like this, and I doubt I will for some time. There are so many interesting debates to be had here, particularly regarding class, power structures, and politics both historical and contemporary — but I keep coming back to the complex and fascinating characterization of Stevens himself.
Stevens is cold and refined, and yet also contemplative in a way that feels warm despite his own pointed detachment from his surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a narrator so unreliable who also has such a distinctive voice. I’ve never read a book quite like this, and I doubt I will for some time. There are so many interesting debates to be had here, particularly regarding class, power structures, and politics both historical and contemporary — but I keep coming back to the complex and fascinating characterization of Stevens himself.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Death of parent
strrygo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
unbelievable, will have to come back one day to revisit day two the morning at salisbury
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
nofacelif's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
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? Yes
2.5
I enjoyed that the protagonist's flaws and character growth were a significant part of the novel and the discussions surrounding dignity. Ishiguro brilliantly manages to establish a political undertone without it being the main focus. However, I think I just didn't connect much with the novel. There isn't really a story, and it's very slow-paced and boring at times. Therefore, it came as a letdown after reading Never Let Me Go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
Moderate: War and Grief
paulinevb's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
Moderate: War and Grief
zmiya's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent