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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I’m not a huge fan of Ishiguro. In my opinion, he specializes in unreliable narrators who can’t or won’t tell the story clearly. I get that that’s the point, but it doesn’t work for me.
Otoh, I quite like Remains of the Day, where he creates a narrator that is so repressed that creates most of the drama just by being an emotionally unavailable son and friend.
But he’s a helluva butler.
Otoh, I quite like Remains of the Day, where he creates a narrator that is so repressed that creates most of the drama just by being an emotionally unavailable son and friend.
But he’s a helluva butler.
“The evening is the best part of the day.”
Only this line deserves a 4 star in of itself because I agree with it timelessly.
Only this line deserves a 4 star in of itself because I agree with it timelessly.
I struggled through this book. I loved the way the story unfolded with the narrator approaching the story like a journal — first presenting an update on today and then drifting back in time to share memories. And I thought his over-indulgent introspection paired well with his frequent misunderstanding of what was unfolding around him. But unfortunately I couldn’t bring myself to care about him or his employer(s) or most of the storyline, so reading this was a bit of a slog. I stuck with it for the writing.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. At first I thought, what the hell is the point of the story? The guy went on and on about wanting to learn how to "banter" and I thought...really? I couldn't figure out why this was considered a classic or masterpiece. So I did some background research. It started to occur to me maybe there was a deeper meaning - saw words like "subversive" used to describe the story. Ok, ok, with a bit more context it started to make more sense. This butler was so focused on the rules of butlering he literally blocks everything else out - potential love, family (was he talking to his father in the 3rd person or did I misread that) and the rather strong undercurrent of his boss' Nazi proclivities (hello, firing the Jewish maids like he was changing up the menu). His blind allegiance and attitude towards these "great men" was pretty shocking but maybe that was the nature of his position. I feel like maybe there was some regret expressed but also a whole lot of justification for his actions over the years. The book sat with me for a bit and in the end I was glad to read it. Looking forward to reading more Ishiguro.
On a side note, after finishing I attempted to watch the 1993 movie but had to turn it off about half way through...the book is better.
On a side note, after finishing I attempted to watch the 1993 movie but had to turn it off about half way through...the book is better.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5- some really beautiful moments at the end, but a lot of the memories throughout didn’t really add that much….
reflective
slow-paced
"A 'great' butler can only be, surely, one who can point to his years of service and say that he has applied his talents to serving a great gentleman - and through the latter, to serving humanity."
The Remains of the Day is a novel of introspection and nostalgia, exploring themes of duty, dignity, and the quiet regrets of a life devoted to service. The story follows Stevens, a devoted butler, as he embarks on a short motoring trip across the English countryside, reflecting on his past. His life has been defined by unwavering loyalty to his employer, Lord Darlington, a once-respected aristocrat whose political choices during the interwar period have since come under scrutiny. Through Stevens’ perspective, Ishiguro presents two contrasting versions of England—one confined within the grandeur of Darlington Hall, where influential politicians once shaped history, and the other, a more ordinary world of rural communities disconnected from the affairs of the elite. Despite the criticism Lord Darlington has faced in recent years, Stevens remains steadfast in his defense of his former employer, grappling with the weight of his own choices. Alongside his reflections on duty, he is forced to confront the emotional cost of his rigid professionalism, particularly his unspoken feelings for Miss Kenton, the housekeeper who once offered him the possibility of a different, more personal life.
Written with beautiful prose, this book has been a great introduction to Ishiguro's world!
The Remains of the Day is a novel of introspection and nostalgia, exploring themes of duty, dignity, and the quiet regrets of a life devoted to service. The story follows Stevens, a devoted butler, as he embarks on a short motoring trip across the English countryside, reflecting on his past. His life has been defined by unwavering loyalty to his employer, Lord Darlington, a once-respected aristocrat whose political choices during the interwar period have since come under scrutiny. Through Stevens’ perspective, Ishiguro presents two contrasting versions of England—one confined within the grandeur of Darlington Hall, where influential politicians once shaped history, and the other, a more ordinary world of rural communities disconnected from the affairs of the elite. Despite the criticism Lord Darlington has faced in recent years, Stevens remains steadfast in his defense of his former employer, grappling with the weight of his own choices. Alongside his reflections on duty, he is forced to confront the emotional cost of his rigid professionalism, particularly his unspoken feelings for Miss Kenton, the housekeeper who once offered him the possibility of a different, more personal life.
Written with beautiful prose, this book has been a great introduction to Ishiguro's world!
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes