clementine
Written on Jul 13, 2019
BOOKER PRIZE WINNER • From the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, here is “an intricate and dazzling novel” (The New York Times) about the perfect butler and his fading, insular world in post-World War II England.
This is Kazuo Ishiguro's profoundly compelling portrait of a butler named Stevens. Stevens, at the end of three decades of service at Darlington Hall, spending a day on a country drive, embarks as well on a journey through the past in an effort to reassure himself that he has served humanity by serving the "great gentleman," Lord Darlington. But lurking in his memory are doubts about the true nature of Lord Darlington's "greatness," and much graver doubts about the nature of his own life.
- ISBN10 0679731725
- ISBN13 9780679731726
- Publish Date 12 September 1990 (first published 30 June 1989)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Random House USA Inc
- Imprint Vintage Books
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 256
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780679731726
Reviews
luddite
Written on Oct 11, 2017
nannah
Written on May 5, 2014
Ouch.
Talk about tragic. Stevens is one of the most interesting characters to read about (and whose POV is one of the most interesting to read), because on the surface he's the absolute most boring person. He's so wrapped up in his own concept of "dignity" that he can't separate himself from it. Basically, Stevens's idea of dignity is to remain in his role as butler even through trying events. But he has become so attached to his own ideal that he's lost in it, and he's lost himself and nearly any ounce of personality he may once have had. His dignity is all he is, and because of it he misses out on what's important in his own life.
I feel like I can call Stevens an unreliable narrator, because I believe he misleads readers about his own feelings. Not deliberately, though. He's suppressed his emotions for so long that suppression has become part of who he is. It comes through in the masterful way the POV is written. Really, the writing and crafting of this novel is so beautiful and well thought through.
Most of the time, I only get to glimpse how Stevens actually feels about something when other characters express concern for him ("Are you all right?" "Have you been crying?" etc. Or something like that--these are from memory . . .). He keeps so much to himself that when he actually, truly lets himself be vulnerable (and you know what part I'm talking about!), it's just--ouch.
It's just one line, but it seems to bring the entire book together into the tragic love story that it is.
Michael @ Knowledge Lost
Written on Jan 18, 2013
Stevens is an old fashion butler, always keeping to the rules and holding himself to a higher standard particularly when it comes to dignity. Throughout the novel he reflects on what it takes to be a truly accomplished butler; often referring to the Hayes Society, an elite society of butlers in the 1920s and 1930. The notion of “a dignity in keeping with his position” being the main ingredient to making a truly great butler. As he reflects on the idea of dignity, he also reflects on how he upholds himself as well as the changed world. Lord Darlington has passed away and an American, Mr Farraday is the new owner of Darlington Hall. This means a whole new way of doing things and as Stevens masterfully adjusts to the new way, he notices that he is doing too much as well as lacking in the ability to communicate the way his new employee wishes. Stevens takes his job too seriously so he struggles to be able to banter with his employee in the way Farraday wishes. He agonizes over his need to offer some witty banter and all attempts fail. He fails to realise that it is his delivery that is lacking and yet he keeps on reflecting on this.
The reason I wanted to talk about dignity and banter, is while Stevens’ is such a great character, he spends all his time reflecting on how he can be the best butler to his that he completely misses the opportunity of love. As this novel progresses and Stevens reflects on his time at Darlington Hall you can see a relationship blossom between the housemaid Miss Kenton and himself. The further you read, the more her feelings develop, while he is blissfully ignorant. Stevens does eventually realise but it is far too late.
The Remains of the Day is such a beautiful novel; while it does remind me a little of Downton Abbey (which I adore) this novel has other elements in it which make it worth exploring. It’s a book of loyalty and politics, love and relationships as well as memories and perspective. I don’t think I’ve seen the movie adaptation of this book but I’m struggling to see how it would work in that format. Does anyone know if the movie is worth watching?
I do recommend this book to fans of Downton Abbey, but I also want to recommend it to people looking for a stunningly elegant to read. Kazuo Ishiguro masterfully crafted this book and it paid off, winning the Man Booker Prize as well as Guardian’s “Books You Can’t Live Without” and the “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die” list as well as a whole lot more. I’m so glad I picked up this book, it was short but it did so much. I would have to add it to a list of essential readings.
This review originally appeared on my blog; http://literary-exploration.com/2013/03/17/book-review-the-remains-of-the-day/
jamiereadthis
Written on Apr 1, 2009