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pippylongstocking 's review for:
The Remains of the Day
by Kazuo Ishiguro
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.