This is a story about an English butler of a distinguished household who is looking back on his life and wondering what it means.

Let me say this: this story is brutal. But, because Kazuo Ishiguro is a master story-teller, the brutality remains hidden behind a veil of English sensibility that mirrors the butler's own personality. This story doesn't contain a lot of suspense or tension, so avoid it if you're looking for cheap thrills. If you want to read a slow-paced, thorough exploration into a uniquely built character, then this is a good bet.

I think Remains of the Day is Ishiguro's most well-regarded piece of literature and, if you're a serious reader, you shouldn't miss it. Even if just to read about the butler's worried preoccupation with the idea of "bantering."