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A review by nothingforpomegranted
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
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
Mr Stevens is a quintessential British butler, nostalgic for the days of dignified service and the sense of importance that comes with serving important, influential men. After three decades of serving Lord Darlington, Stevens is struggling to connect with Mr. Farraday, the new American owner of Darlington Hall who keeps insisting on "banter." When Mr. Farraday sends Stevens off on a driving holiday in his own car, he drives to Somerset, hoping to reunite with (and perhaps re-hire) Miss Kenton, the former head housekeeper at Darlington Hall. Over the course of several days, Stevens reminiscences and reflects on the years gone by, thinking about his relationship with Miss Kenton, his service and mistakes with Lord Darlington, and pondering the meanings of dignity and greatness.
I was utterly immersed in this novel. Stevens' narration was heart-breaking in its matter-of-fact tone, and the repetitive reflections on each moment in his relationships with his father, Miss Kenton, and Lord Darlington emphasized how deeply Stevens was wrestling with regret. And yet, the story maintained a sense of beauty and hope, suggesting that along with regret come opportunities for change and inspiration. Indeed, the ending of the novel, sudden as it felt, focuses on the future and Stevens' aspirations and accomplishments.
Ishiguro's writing is always beautiful. It is quiet, meaningful, and wonderful, and I will continue to read everything he writes, just waiting for the moment that the story brings me to tears.
I was utterly immersed in this novel. Stevens' narration was heart-breaking in its matter-of-fact tone, and the repetitive reflections on each moment in his relationships with his father, Miss Kenton, and Lord Darlington emphasized how deeply Stevens was wrestling with regret. And yet, the story maintained a sense of beauty and hope, suggesting that along with regret come opportunities for change and inspiration. Indeed, the ending of the novel, sudden as it felt, focuses on the future and Stevens' aspirations and accomplishments.
Ishiguro's writing is always beautiful. It is quiet, meaningful, and wonderful, and I will continue to read everything he writes, just waiting for the moment that the story brings me to tears.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism