I hereby officially declare that I am a fan of Kazuo Ishiguro.

"The Remains of the Day" is disputably Ishiguro's most popular work, having been awarded the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 1989.

Stevens is an “old-fashioned English Butler” who used to work for Lord Darlington, managing his household, Darlington Hall. During his lifetime, Lord Darlington was a prominent figure, having hobnobbed with rich and famous personalities in and outside Britain; he was even known to have connections and/or sympathies with Nazi Germany. Stevens highly regarded Lord Darlington and trusted his judgment completely.

Although the story begins in the present time, with Stevens’ current employer, the American Mr. Farraday, encouraging him to take a “motoring trip” in the country for a few days, much of the narrative was introspective, consisting of Stevens’ recollections of years past. While Stevens drives through the country, he takes the opportunity to visit his erstwhile acquaintance, the former Ms. Kenton, who also spent years in the employ of Lord Darlington. In her last letter, Ms. Kenton seemingly expressed her desire to return to her former post, as Stevens interpreted her words to mean that her marriage was an unhappy one.

Much like Never Let Me Go, this book was told in the first person point of view. Patience on the part of the reader is required in order to truly appreciate the beauty of this book. The first few chapters would appear to be uninteresting or boring, even bordering on dull or wearisome, but the book will pick up just when you least expect it. I noticed that Ishiguro is fond of this style: near-dreary, winding narratives, only to have some kind of twist spring up on you just when you’re least expecting it. Of course, having read just two of his works, I cannot be absolutely sure nor would I claim to be an expert.

Although the mood of the story was melancholic, there were some funny parts, too, to which I even chuckled out loud. Reading about Stevens’ career and life as a butler, and how he worked so hard to have that “dignity becoming of the profession,” just like his father had, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. In his fervent desire to be worthy of that “dignity,” there were important relationships that he chose to forgo or set aside, and it was only in hindsight – so much later in his life – when he learned of their significance. I say he “chose” to forgo them, because he was fully aware that the opportunities to do otherwise were already there, ready for the taking, but he decided to let them pass, anyway. These choices, when properly contemplated, play a significant role on why the novel was entitled, “The Remains of the Day.” At least, from my perspective.

Highly recommended, for some serious reading. :)