Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day
The Remains of the Day
Author: Kazuo Ishiguro
The novel's narrator, Stevens, is a perfect English butler who tries to give his narrow existence form and meaning through the self-effacing, almost mystical practice of his profession. In a career that spans the second world war, Stevens is oblivious of the real life that goes on around him--oblivious, for instance, of the fact that his ari...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780571171279
ISBN-10: 0571171273
Publication Date: 1994
Pages: 256
Edition: New Ed
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 4

3.9 stars, based on 4 ratings
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 2
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

althea avatar reviewed The Remains of the Day on + 774 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
An elderly English butler, having received the suggestion that he borrow his new employer's car and 'get out and see the country', decides to go visit a former housekeeper, who worked with him. The reader is initially unsure of their relationship, but a romantic interest is implied (although denied by the narrator.)
Gradually, through his internal thoughts, we begin to see that his stated pride in the traditions of skilled service are a hollow shell, that his former employer was not the paragon of nobility that he had hoped and believed he was, and that he feels his life was likely wasted. He remains unable to engage in regular human interaction, finding even the interactions of other servants with similar backgrounds nearly impossible to understand.
I haven't seen the movie that was made of this book, but it seems a very strange choice for film adaptation, as most of the significant aspects of the novel are in the mind of the main character.
The book however, is an excellent character study, beautifully written. It does remind me of another of Ishiguro's novels, "An Artist of the Floating World." Although the characters in each book are very different from each other, they both deal with a similar sort of self-denial and shame.
reviewed The Remains of the Day on
Helpful Score: 6
One of my favorite books by Ishiguro. He captures 1930s and 40s life in a British country house with a large staff so well that it is hard to believe this book wasn't written then.
ConeyIslandHigh avatar reviewed The Remains of the Day on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
One of the best examples of an 'unreliable narrator' in contemporary fiction. This is one of my favorite books of all time.
reviewed The Remains of the Day on + 289 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Don't be fooled by the name: Kazuo Ishiguro emigrated to Britain at age 5 and The Remains of the Day is written in a style completely in keeping with that of an impeccable English butler. In the summer of 1956, Stevens ventures out on a motoring holiday to the West Country when his new American employer is not in residence. During the trip, he ponders over his life in service to Lord Darlington and his working relationship with the former housekeeper, Miss Kenton, whom he calls on towards the end of the journey. As the title implies, the story concerns itself with the past; even very few details of the journey are related as it is happening. This is an intense character study of one who considers himself foremost a consummate professional, as well as a a study of class in British society. There are hints of sadness in this reflective work which I found deserving of its 1989 Booker Prize and a space on the list of 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
reviewed The Remains of the Day on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book was different from what I expected - knowing nothing about the author beforehand, I didn't quite expect a novel about a British butler. Nonetheless, Ishiguro develops this character tremendously well, and I was impressed how well his butler seemed to fulfill my notions of the great English butlers of the past. As Mr. Stevens embarks on a road trip to visit a past employer and friend, he is constantly troubled by memories of his past and his role in international affairs. At first, his memories are pleasant recollections of the glory days of Darlington hall, but he realizes that all was not as it seemed.

For fear of ruining the ending, I won't say much more, but this book really comes together in the last chapter and a half or so. Up until then, I found this a slower read than I was used to, and Mr. Stevens somewhat vagrant tales could be tiring, but all of the set-up is worth it for the end. At times heartbreaking, and at others hopeful, I think this book is definitely one to read at least once.
Read All 33 Book Reviews of "The Remains of the Day"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed The Remains of the Day on + 813 more book reviews
Stevens may not be Jeeves, or even Crichton but he is still the commensurate butler. After reading this you should certainly have a inking of how to run a stately English manor house. After three decades serving a lord, he is sent off on holiday by his new employer. We are treated to his reminiscences as he meanders to his destination, partly to see if a former housekeeper will return to the fold. Insightful, informative, downright humdrum at times, Mr. Ishiguro is still a treat to read.
jpatel2 avatar reviewed The Remains of the Day on + 3 more book reviews
I truly enjoyed the narrator's voice here. I also enjoyed the questions of honor and dishonor as they are raised by the recollections.
portabellopig avatar reviewed The Remains of the Day on + 40 more book reviews
As another reviewer stated, this book is deceptively simple and straight forward if you let it be. Without giving too much away, Stevens is a man who dedicates himself to his father's lifes work without questioning what his real passion is. Ishiguro is a master of wrapping up the human condition in a haunting little bow.


Genres: