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A review by bittersweet_symphony
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
3.0
Ishiguro writes a quiet story from the perspective of a dutiful butler whose life is centered around his station in the prestigious home of an English lord. It is a pleasant read revealing to its audience the subtleties of etiquette, manners and "dignity" in early 20th century England. Mr. Stevens has no existence outside of his service to Lord Darlington. A character so far from my own temperament, I appreciated the time spent inside the conscience of a butler.
Post-WWI and Post -WWII serve as backdrops for the inner life of Mr. Stevens. While monumental events, and plotting characters surround Darlington Hall, as they discuss the fate of Europe, Mr. Stevens is entirely focused on living in a manner which is fitting of his station. I felt some respect and sadness for his lifestyle. He lived in a truly honorable and stable way, albeit one where his individuality is lost; his sense of self is almost completely underdeveloped, or rather, obsessed with the virtue of dignity.
The Remains of the Day doesn't come close to rivaling Never Let Me Go, but follows a similar story arc. The novel is uneventful, but if the reader is patient, a pleasant reward waits on the final few pages. Ishiguro has crafted an intricate and authentic novel.
Post-WWI and Post -WWII serve as backdrops for the inner life of Mr. Stevens. While monumental events, and plotting characters surround Darlington Hall, as they discuss the fate of Europe, Mr. Stevens is entirely focused on living in a manner which is fitting of his station. I felt some respect and sadness for his lifestyle. He lived in a truly honorable and stable way, albeit one where his individuality is lost; his sense of self is almost completely underdeveloped, or rather, obsessed with the virtue of dignity.
The Remains of the Day doesn't come close to rivaling Never Let Me Go, but follows a similar story arc. The novel is uneventful, but if the reader is patient, a pleasant reward waits on the final few pages. Ishiguro has crafted an intricate and authentic novel.