The Remains of the Day in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Aug 21, 2007 Kecia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: topshelf, booker-prize, 1001-books, england

It's not what happens in this story that's important, it's what doesn't happen. It's not what is said, but what is not said.

I almost feel like Stevens in a real person and not a fictional character. He may well be the most tragic figure I've had the honor to meet/read. He tried so hard to do what he thought to be the right thing and in the end it all turned out to the wrong thing...I cried for at least a half hour after I finished the final page. It was a bittersweet moment when he admitted to h ...more

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Jan 12, 2017 Maryam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, booker-prize

Loved this book, will write more!

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May 12, 2009 Chinoiseries rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, library, man-booker-prize, historical-fiction, united-kingdom, 1001-books

Oh, Mr. Stevens, you foolish, stubborn, old-fashioned chap. Are you really without any regrets about the past? These thoughts occurred to me regularly throughout the book. At first, the butler's overly formal speech wore me down, but as the novel progressed (past the prologue) I had less difficulty with it. Ishiguro truly is a master with words (who would've thought me saying this, after my negative review of Nocturnes?): at first the carefully chosen words of the first person narrator struck me Oh, Mr. Stevens, you foolish, stubborn, old-fashioned chap. Are you really without any regrets about the past? These thoughts occurred to me regularly throughout the book. At first, the butler's overly formal speech wore me down, but as the novel progressed (past the prologue) I had less difficulty with it. Ishiguro truly is a master with words (who would've thought me saying this, after my negative review of Nocturnes?): at first the carefully chosen words of the first person narrator struck me as odd. In the privacy of your own thoughts, wouldn't you normally adopt an informal tone of speech? Through his thoughts, the true level of Stevens' composure is unearthed. He has trained himself beyond the required level of professionalism. But who knows? Maybe back in the day nothing less was accepted to attain the "dignity" that Stevens emphasizes time after time. His extraordinary dedication to the profession is of course to be applauded, but there is also a reservedness, a certain stiffness to his behavior. How obnoxious and frustrating this can be, becomes clear when Miss Kenton enters Darlington Hall as the new housekeeper. In order for the household to be run as efficiently as possible, a smooth working relationship between her and the butler is indispensable. But no matter how hard she tries, whether she adopts a friendly tone or a cold and distant one, Miss Kenton just can't seem to find a way to get closer to Mr. Stevens. Or can she? Her tactful demeanor in the case of Mr. Stevens senior's declining condition expresses her kind heart and genuine affection for Mr. Stevens. The manner in which he conducts himself is rather crude and in stark contrast to Miss Kenton's gentleness. I believe that this, and his reaction to her resignation are two crucial turning points in the story. However, the butler isn't as indifferent to family, friends or love as he may appear. Why would he otherwise return to Mrs. Benn's (née Kenton) letters again and again? If he did not care for her deeply, why would he then pick apart her writing and try to find hidden meaning behind her words?
In my opinion, the precarious relationship between the two Darlington Hall employees says a lot about Mr. Stevens. And although I enjoyed the bittersweetness of it, there are also the memories of Lord Darlington and his gentlemanly efforts in securing peace in Europe to be mentioned. The butler's blind devotion, for it is nothing if it not blind, is tinged with tragedy. While Stevens does not divulge what exactly brought Lord Darlington into disrepute, his descriptions of the many highly political gatherings in the house, coupled with the words of Reggie Cardinal, journalist and Lord Darlington's godson, paint a pretty clear picture for us. Mr. Stevens defends himself by saying that it is not a butler's task to interfere in the matters of gentlemen... but what if he had? Could he have prevented his employer (and friend) from falling from grace? It is a very delicate issue indeed.
The Remains of the Day is a beautiful tale of a man in the dusk of life who, after spending his best years in Lord Darlington's service, looks back at the past in melancholy, but also with pride. In his eyes, the glorious days of lords, ladies and other distinguished people visiting Darlington Hall will remain the highlight of his life as a butler (and what else is there really?), despite his personal sacrifices. Just like his father before him, Stevens will hold his head high and continue doing his utmost until his last breath. He is a man to pity and admire at the same time. ...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

I read Never Let Me Go several years ago and knew the name of The Remains of the Day, but had no idea what it was about when I checked it out of the library. Told in the form of the journal/memoir of an English butler, the book reflects on what makes a good butler and looks at the ways that a singleminded dedication to his job led the narrator to miss out on much of his own life.

The narrator, Mr Stevens, is earnest and candid, but the more he reveals of himself, the more it becomes difficult to ...more

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Oct 15, 2014 Linda Parker rated it really liked it

If you like Downton Abby (the not so soapy story lines) then you will like this book. The story is subtle and the butler telling the story lacks self awareness so you have to interpret many of his motives and emotions. It's an easy read and parts of it sit with you for awhile after. ...more

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