From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro

Start date: January 15, 2015

Finish date: February 15, 2015

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

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By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 3 posts · 1370 views

last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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What Members Thought

Jan 02, 2013 Rebekah rated it liked it

Shelves: 1001-import, genre-classics, genre-book-club, genre-contemporary, genre-historical-fiction, genre-novels, genre-adult-fiction, genre-european-literature-british-l, genre-literature-20-century, genre-literary-fiction

This is an interesting book. I was not a huge fan of Never Let Me Go by this same author, but these two books are vastly different. This book is highly character-driven and very little happens plot-wise. That being said, Mr. Stephens is an interesting and intriguing character. It was very hard for me to understand his motives and his culture, the British aristocratic social system being such a foreign concept for this young idealistic American. Mr. Stephens is such a sad character, one that do ...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Kay Green rated it really liked it

Shelves: bookclub, ww2

I have to admit the book was beautiful written. I assume it is considered a classic. But the atmosphere during the whole story ranged from poignant to downright sad. The best message the book can give is just lighten up. The author actually ends by discussing bantering as a means to open a relationship and our butler will strive to learn to banter in the remains of his days. Luckily I am awesome at bantering and will banter with anyone. (haha)

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Jul 25, 2019 Wes F rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Such a great audiobook--loved the narrator's performance. Takes you back into the days of the great British houses and their professional butlers, valets, housekeepers, etc. I think Downton Abbey's chief butler was modeled on the character of the protagonist. Listened to this on my iPhone; borrowed from the library. ...more

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Apr 30, 2023 Natasha rated it it was amazing

What a powerful story that will stay with you for years to come.

I love the concept of enjoying the remains of the day regardless of what happened earlier in the day

The character of the butler Mr Stevens was so well drawn, unique, wise and eloquent.

I couldn’t have asked for a better novel. A gem.

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Oct 23, 2017 Kent Winward rated it really liked it

Classic unreliable narrator. I finally broke down and read the novel after Ishiguro won the Nobel Prize, but I still haven't listened to a Bob Dylan record. ...more

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