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The Remains of the Day
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Buddy Reading: The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
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I remember seeing the movie a long time ago. Never read any Ishiguro, and I'm really looking forward to this.....
Nice one, Marian. This book speaks to me. Have a great time reading this. :)
Ooh, you're starting this already? Have a nice reading discussion! Mind if I pop randomly between the conversations?(This made me want to grab a copy, actually, haha!)
Mod
Chibivy: We haven't started yet. I don't know if Andy already has a copy. You might as well join us. The more, the merrier! ;)
Andy: You have the book?
Should arrive today if Amazon keep their promises. Tomorrow at the latest. So whatever happens, tomorrow night, French time (you seem to be 6 hours ahead of me, according to timeanddate), I'll start according to your reading plan.
It would be nice if Chibivy joined us - any more? It really does sound like a "good read"!!!!
It would be nice if Chibivy joined us - any more? It really does sound like a "good read"!!!!
When are you going to start guys? Because if you'll start right away, I might download an ebook? (Although I wanted a physical copy)Also, if I will join, I might have slower pace because I'd be buddy-reading TMI series. But since it only have 200+ pages, I might finish it within a week or so. :)
It isn't a race....I think that Marian will probably agree that we would rather enjoy reading and chatting about what we read than zooming throught the book. Hope you can join in - I understand what you say about the difference between paper and screen though.
The book arrived - I keep looking at it and trying to hold myself back from starting before tomorrow. To read or not to read, that is the question .........
To read! *hands raised*
I've been hearing (reading, actually) good reviews about the book! But I think I haven't seen a physical copy of that in the local bookstores. Hmm, I'd probably download the ebook if you guys will start buddy reading it soon. ;)(Though, honestly, physical books feel SOOO much better to read than electronic books)
Mod
Andy: Great! as much as we're itching to start...how bout we wait for chibivy?
Let me know if we're all set. Anyway we're starting slow with 17 pages for the prologue.
Currently looking for a PDF file of that book online.Do you guys have a PDF file of The Remains of the Day that you could send to me? Hehee.
Mod
Received your message Marian!I don't have an Android device, sadly. My phone is a mere Nokia Asha 302. That's why I don't like reading ebooks, because I don't want to strain my eyes with the computer. And I even needed to work in front of the computer for around 10 hours or more a day due to my job.
Anyway, I've found a PDF copy of The Remains of the Day! I just don't like the font, mou (it's Times New Roman).
My PDF file is just 166 pages. And it has chunky paragraphs! Is this book hard to read, or just an average one? So I could determine my reading pace...
Mod
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BTW, my day one starts tomorrow. ;D
I have started reading the prologue! I thought the start day was Tuesday. Anyway, I haven't completing reading the prologue and I'd just finish it tomorrow, so we'd probably have the same reading pace, Marian.
Mod
Stevens, the narrator, the head butler, accounts his
experience with Mr. Farraday, who he think is modern and eccentric. He can't decide how to respond to his employer's bantering. I felt the awkwardness when Stevens tried to respond. Mr. Farraday jokes with Stevens like his equal, but Stevens can't break the barrier of hierarchy to make himself feel relaxed and respond spontaneously. He think he is inferior, viewing himself as a servant and Mr. Farraday, his master. Too bad he doesn't have anyone to give him advice. Being an old cultured English, he was having a hard time with the American's way of bantering. He
thinks that it is vulgar.
I am under the impression that Stevens character is very meticulous. The way he narrates with careful attention to details. He is proper-mannered, serious and has a deep respect for the old fashioned culture. Obviously, he has a "thing" for Miss Kenton. He looks at books hoping to get a clue as to Miss Kenton's new home. I guess Stevens is trying to deny that he has feelings for Miss Kenton as he repeatedly says that his trip is purely professional, but reading between the lines, he is pretty much looking forward on a personal level to seeing Miss Kenton.
I have also read the prologue. The writing is very "nostalgic" for the "old England" of manor houses, rich masters and the "downstairs" servants, and an aristocratic society of days gone by and absolutely not familiar to the modern reader.
Our hero is obviously a little puzzled / left behind by the modern world and the new American owner of the stately home where he has worked for many years. His discomfiture is both sad and wryly funny (put me in mind of Mr Pooter, in "The diary of a nobody", where the image of the hero is not quite the same as the image of a modern day "viewer of the scene". I am not comparing the two books, which are of a completely different type and style - just comparing the way the principle character is portrayed).
Obviously he "yearns" for Miss Kenton, as Marian said. So what will happen when he meets up with her? Will he meet up with her?
Question to discuss - why was the book called "The remains of the day"?
Our hero is obviously a little puzzled / left behind by the modern world and the new American owner of the stately home where he has worked for many years. His discomfiture is both sad and wryly funny (put me in mind of Mr Pooter, in "The diary of a nobody", where the image of the hero is not quite the same as the image of a modern day "viewer of the scene". I am not comparing the two books, which are of a completely different type and style - just comparing the way the principle character is portrayed).
Obviously he "yearns" for Miss Kenton, as Marian said. So what will happen when he meets up with her? Will he meet up with her?
Question to discuss - why was the book called "The remains of the day"?
Mod
I think it could be a "double meaning". Maybe the fact that the lead character is ageing, and maybe because the "stately home" existence has, at the epoch of the book, passed away. You all speak English so well that you almost certainly don't need me to explain the expression this or that "has had its day", so maybe the remains of the day refers to this. The only idea I have, anyway.
Another puzzle for me is why Stevens refers to "Miss Kenton", though she left to get married.
Another puzzle for me is why Stevens refers to "Miss Kenton", though she left to get married.
Mod
1. Stevens struck me as someone who is rooted to old English culture. His relationship with Mr. Farraday reflects how he sees the liberal or modern culture. Stevens is like an embodiment of (the olden) proper decorum. The older England did not like the American culture while the present embraces it. This probably caused a division among them. Maybe thats of what remains from the old culture.
2. Stevens compared the Darlington House during the time of its first owner, Lord Darlington from Mr. Farraday. Like, during the time of Mr. Darlington, there are always guests, thus a need for more house staff unlike Mr. Farraday who seldom entertains guest and so he does not see the need for more staff. It is they who remained after the first owner.
3. The diary entries reminisce Stevens past to present. Might be of what remains from his past that he still holds on in the present.
Miss Kenton was first referred as Mrs. Kenton. Widowed? divorced?
Mod
..And so Stevens began his journey. He spent a night at Salisbury, a few minutes drive from Darlington Hall. This showed his enclosed existence and his incredible commitment to Darlington Hall. He even thought of going back maybe because, he felt vulnerable being away from his work. But then, he saw that it is all worth it as he marvelled in the English countryside. He was enamored with the landscape's simplicity of beauty and calmness which lead Stevens to think about "What is a great butler?". According to Stevens illustration, the Indian butler and his father, great butlers or dignified butlers are expressionless, unfeeling, calm, with perfect poise and loyalty. Seems to me more like of a robot. Stevens idea of dignity pretty much explained his actions and his character. He looks up to his father and live up with this idea, thus, making him a restrained person. Though, for me, the explanation is quite lengthy, but I guess it worked out well in the long run because the details might give clues on his future actions.
But honestly, I feel bothered about his concept of "dignified". A person acting like a robot? At some point, I agree. But is restraining of freedom necessary? even the freedom of facial expression? I agree that dignified people think before they act. Just like Stevens father's accounts with the drunk passengers. His act itself showed his dislike of being ridiculed in public and the silence that resumed throughout their journey proved that his passengers got the point. He got the respect he deserve without uttering a single word or showing a bit of expression.
I guess this is how his father respond from the old English culture: servants are inferior and their existence is meant to serve the household. An example of this, is a butler who was treated like a memory monkey.
I also finished the section as planned. You raise some interesting points Marian! I like the way you manage to put your thought into words, which isn't always easy.
I am also a bit "concerned" about this type of concept of dignity, and honestly felt sorry for the tiger, who presumably lost its life doing what animals do, hunting for food, just to fulfill someones' strange concept of what is "correct and civilised". I personally would have refused to transport the drunken passengers and think that at least Stevens' father should have reacted quicker. But as you say, it is a case of what is "fitting and proper" in polite society. The author is perhaps exposing the moral values of this particular section of society, as portrayed by Stevens' concepts of "dignity", and inviting the reader to form their own opinion?
Even though I lived in England, I have never visited Salisbury cathedral, so I can't tell you whether the spire is really "inspiring" (that is a dreadful play on words, I am so sorry!!!). I think that Stevens was quite pleased that his suit and bearing "impressed" the lady in the guest house where he was staying. There are occasional signs of the human being beneath the mask .......
I am also a bit "concerned" about this type of concept of dignity, and honestly felt sorry for the tiger, who presumably lost its life doing what animals do, hunting for food, just to fulfill someones' strange concept of what is "correct and civilised". I personally would have refused to transport the drunken passengers and think that at least Stevens' father should have reacted quicker. But as you say, it is a case of what is "fitting and proper" in polite society. The author is perhaps exposing the moral values of this particular section of society, as portrayed by Stevens' concepts of "dignity", and inviting the reader to form their own opinion?
Even though I lived in England, I have never visited Salisbury cathedral, so I can't tell you whether the spire is really "inspiring" (that is a dreadful play on words, I am so sorry!!!). I think that Stevens was quite pleased that his suit and bearing "impressed" the lady in the guest house where he was staying. There are occasional signs of the human being beneath the mask .......
Mod
You're right. Ishiguro exposed a hierarchy of society where a proper decorum is expected out of them. Its kinda hard to live in a society with rigid values. But then, why is it that this "rigidity" is expected from those who serves and their masters are carefree? They even have this elite society of butlers. Maybe the dignity of the rich came with their old names while the servants need to put an effort and years of experience to have one.
Do you agree with Mr. Graham when he argued about greatness, "You know when somebody's got it and you know when somebody hasn't"?
Is dignity a luxury?
Mod
I am falling a bit behind today (p 95 in my version), as the next section is quite long.
The strict, almost frozen relationship that Stevens has with his father is very odd, as if he cannot escape from his chosen role of butler even in his private life.
Similarly his relationship with Miss Kenton is curiously distant. But I get the impression that this relationship is only half described - their contacts in the book are basically arguments or some kind of struggle for "who is boss" (I have my domain, you have yours sort of thing), and yet Miss Kenton does draw attention to the image of Stevens' father in the garden which both look back on with fondness - was there more to their relationship that is not mentioned? I don't think they started a romance or anything, but the fact that they stayed in touch means it was not all "fighting", so why are we not hearing of this?
The discussion on the state of Germany between the two world wars is very interesting - being historically almost hopelessly ignorant, I have not been able to separate fictional representations of real characters from totally fictional ones. Some "guests" certainly existed (John Maynard Keynes, Herbert George Wells), others I just don't know (Lord Darlington?)
The strict, almost frozen relationship that Stevens has with his father is very odd, as if he cannot escape from his chosen role of butler even in his private life.
Similarly his relationship with Miss Kenton is curiously distant. But I get the impression that this relationship is only half described - their contacts in the book are basically arguments or some kind of struggle for "who is boss" (I have my domain, you have yours sort of thing), and yet Miss Kenton does draw attention to the image of Stevens' father in the garden which both look back on with fondness - was there more to their relationship that is not mentioned? I don't think they started a romance or anything, but the fact that they stayed in touch means it was not all "fighting", so why are we not hearing of this?
The discussion on the state of Germany between the two world wars is very interesting - being historically almost hopelessly ignorant, I have not been able to separate fictional representations of real characters from totally fictional ones. Some "guests" certainly existed (John Maynard Keynes, Herbert George Wells), others I just don't know (Lord Darlington?)
Is dignity a luxury? Deep question that! It is certainly beyond what many people can attain (the poor, the very old),but is something to which everyone is entitled.
I don't know about your other question Marian - can "greatness" be identified? Or do we even know what greatness is? On balance maybe I disagree with Graham - by and large greatness is something that happens "a posteriori". Who would you call "great" in today's world? The Dalai Lama? Many Chinese might disagree. SOme Nobel prize winners? Or maybe "Dr Unknown" who works for Medecin sans Frontieres in Darfur .....?
I don't know about your other question Marian - can "greatness" be identified? Or do we even know what greatness is? On balance maybe I disagree with Graham - by and large greatness is something that happens "a posteriori". Who would you call "great" in today's world? The Dalai Lama? Many Chinese might disagree. SOme Nobel prize winners? Or maybe "Dr Unknown" who works for Medecin sans Frontieres in Darfur .....?
Mod
I was also interested with the relationship of France, England, and Germany. The post-war era. I felt bad for Herr Bremann. I have always read stories against Germany, but this is an eye-opener for me, that they also suffered. Clearly, Lord Darlington has personal reasons to sympathize over Germany. I was struck with the conversation he had with Herr Bremann. What happened in Versailles? What made the French hate the Germans during that time? Hmmm...(scratches her head) I'll google that later. H.G. Wells, he's on my TBR shelf, The Invisible Man. Do you know the political stand of England during that time? Are they neutral?
The little I know (which is perhaps all wrong) is that the treaty at the end of the First World War (which was negotiated in Versailles) imposed really punitive "financial compensation" on the Germans as the "losing side" (does anyone win in a war?). This caused great hardship in Germany and discontent amongst the German people, which gave rise to the nationalism / Nazism that started the seond world war. I think that certain people in the UK, notably the economist Keynes, felt that the economic penalties were far too great. This is probably amazingly simplistic, if not wrong. War and its origins never really interested me, so I remain embarrassingly ignorant.
Mod
I'm currently at the part where I hate Dupont's arrogance over dinner.
Mod
Stevens car broke down and he met "batman", a chauffeur who works as an all-around handyman at a big Victorian mansion. I was amused about how batman thought of the likes of Stevens, a rare, almost extinct kind of specie. While Stevens in return was appalled by how few the staff is. Stevens denied he worked for Lord Darlington twice. With all the reactions he got from batman and Mrs. Wakefield, Stevens is like a remnant of a glorious past, of a nobility which the noveau riche can only dream of.
Stevens, once again, mused about the greatness of a butler. If Stevens is all proud about how great, distinguished is Lord Darlington, why does he have to lie? I don't buy his excuse. Lord Darlington is a Nazi symphatizer. Probably, frowned upon during that time, but Stevens understood...but did he?
I'm still playing catch up after a couple of busy days at work, sorry Marian. I should be back on course tomorrow.....
Mod
I have now started the section "day 3, morning". As Marian said, Stevens met the batman (valet) of a Colonel from the war, who helped him when the car (borrowed from his boss, Mr Farraday) broke down because Stevens didn't know that you had to add cooling water from time to time .
Stevens denies having worked for Lord Darlington, who we now find out was classed as a Nazi sympathiser in the last war. He has already told the same lie to some American visitors at Darlington Hall, and gives the reason for lying as "British reticence to discuss their previous employers", which is obviously an excuse not a reason.
We see yet more "remains of the day" - the Colonel and his batman (the latter role now disappeared), who were involved in the second war (I guess that the period of the book is sometime just after the second war, but perhaps I am wrong), the "remains" of the "aristocratic" control of countries, both in Germany and England, where the rich and famous had a marked influence on the governance of the country.....
I idly wondered whether the name "Farraday" was chosen, for the American, to represent something modern, as Faraday was a modernist, father of much that became electromagnetism, electricity and electrochemistry. Maybe the name is supposed to suggest "change"? It seems to me that the book is talking about the changing world and how we adapt (or not) to change.
Stevens denies having worked for Lord Darlington, who we now find out was classed as a Nazi sympathiser in the last war. He has already told the same lie to some American visitors at Darlington Hall, and gives the reason for lying as "British reticence to discuss their previous employers", which is obviously an excuse not a reason.
We see yet more "remains of the day" - the Colonel and his batman (the latter role now disappeared), who were involved in the second war (I guess that the period of the book is sometime just after the second war, but perhaps I am wrong), the "remains" of the "aristocratic" control of countries, both in Germany and England, where the rich and famous had a marked influence on the governance of the country.....
I idly wondered whether the name "Farraday" was chosen, for the American, to represent something modern, as Faraday was a modernist, father of much that became electromagnetism, electricity and electrochemistry. Maybe the name is supposed to suggest "change"? It seems to me that the book is talking about the changing world and how we adapt (or not) to change.
Mod
Stevens spent the night at The Couch and Horses where once again he failed his supposedly bantering reply. Though, he sure makes an effort in learning by listening to comedy shows.He again mused about "greatness". Using a perfectly polished silverware as a mark of a great butler. He prided himself with the acknowledgements from George Bernard Shaw and Lady Astor. Kinda pathetic though.
Just like Giffen & Co., Stevens profession is coming to an extinct, as the present manor houses stopped putting much effort in well-polished silver. I mean, too much has happened in England, with the rest of European countries that these details would hardly matter in the lives of the great people.
Day Three: Evening/Moscombe
Lord Darlington made a stupid move of dismissing his Jewish maids. Though, he regret it, the damage has been done because talks of Lord Darlington is an anti-Semitic has spread over town. Miss Kenton's revelation about her refusal to leave is quite a surprise for me. I guess she's slowly getting out of her shell. And, Stevens constant teasing is,(as I can't think of a better term to use, cute. haha! so un-Stevens. Miss Kenton strikes back by teasing Stevens awkwardness towards the new maid, Lisa. Stevens is absolutely clueless on how to act in the presence of an attractive girl. (What do we expect from a 40+ virgin..lol). I couldn't agree more with Miss Kenton's line to Stevens: "Why, Mr. Stevens, why, why, why do you always have to pretend?".
The part where Miss Kenton forces Stevens to show her the book he's reading, sparked a chemistry between them. Pretty sensual part, I must say. Also, the part where Miss Kenton and Stevens had a talk about what would Stevens want more in life, could have been a turning point of their formal relationship. I felt that Miss Kenton is waiting for Stevens to confess his feelings and that Miss Kenton feels an attraction towards him. I guess thinking back, this is the part where Stevens regret. When Miss Kenton said that she's tired, she's not physically tired, but emotionally tired of waiting for Stevens, with his pretensions. Just when their cocoa sessions stopped, Miss Kenton moved on.
Mod
Could be and it fits the theme perfectly. What could be more apt than naming the character after an American modernist.
Day 3, Moscombe. Stevens has once again shown his mechanical genius by running out of petrol (late in the evening, once again "the remains of the day") in the middle of nowhere, and has been taken in by Mr and Mrs Taylor, in a village called Moscombe near Tavistock. Consulting google maps, Tavistock is on the edge of Dartmoor, and I found no trace of Moscombe (maybe it is fictional). All I know of Tavistock is a reference in Sherlock Holmes (if I remember well, it was in "the Hound of the Baskervilles", where Watson went to Tavistock, was it to meet Laura Lyons?).
After that total digression, back to the book. Marian, you are just brilliant at this - you put your finger unerringly on the really interesting bits of the book. Why did Lord Darlington ask his butler to sack the two Jewish servants, and why did Stevens go along with it? The picture I have is that Stevens is a sort of "gopher" (not sure if you are familiar with this English expression? It sounds like "go for") - he enacts the wishes of his bosses and considers it "dignity" to not enquire too much about why he is asked to do what he does. Which makes it strange to note that he thought it "dignified" of his father to "censure" the drunken car passengers. There his father took sides - all his life Stevens tries not to take sides, but chooses to "believe" in the infallibility of his masters.The fact is that his masters are as fallible as anyone (Darlington, presumably influenced by trend, fashion, Nazis or friends, wants the Jewish servants out of his house. Is this allegorical of the front in the first world war, Lions led by donkeys?). What is really curious is that Stevens manages to convince himself (at two different times) that Darlington was both right and wrong to do this.
Even more strange are his actions with Miss Kenton - the wrestling match inside himself as to whether to "take sides" / express his OWN opinions is absolutely clear. The "Lisa" affair is the same thing - Miss Kenton is probably right that Stevens "fancied" Lisa, and opposed her employment as he succeeds in his employment by avoiding positions in which he might be asked to express his own opinions. Maybe Miss Kenton wants to "save" Stevens, and recognises a nice, ordinary, honorable man in him. I think that Stevens "hopes" that Miss Kenton will want to spend the rest of her life in peace at Darlington Hall, drinking cocoa and reminiscing. But Miss Kenton obviously left the Hall finally realising that she will never get Stevens to "come out and stop suppressing inner emotion"? We will see - I am not up to this bit yet.
Sorry, what a long winded and boring post. .....I am enjoying the book, and just thinking out loud.
After that total digression, back to the book. Marian, you are just brilliant at this - you put your finger unerringly on the really interesting bits of the book. Why did Lord Darlington ask his butler to sack the two Jewish servants, and why did Stevens go along with it? The picture I have is that Stevens is a sort of "gopher" (not sure if you are familiar with this English expression? It sounds like "go for") - he enacts the wishes of his bosses and considers it "dignity" to not enquire too much about why he is asked to do what he does. Which makes it strange to note that he thought it "dignified" of his father to "censure" the drunken car passengers. There his father took sides - all his life Stevens tries not to take sides, but chooses to "believe" in the infallibility of his masters.The fact is that his masters are as fallible as anyone (Darlington, presumably influenced by trend, fashion, Nazis or friends, wants the Jewish servants out of his house. Is this allegorical of the front in the first world war, Lions led by donkeys?). What is really curious is that Stevens manages to convince himself (at two different times) that Darlington was both right and wrong to do this.
Even more strange are his actions with Miss Kenton - the wrestling match inside himself as to whether to "take sides" / express his OWN opinions is absolutely clear. The "Lisa" affair is the same thing - Miss Kenton is probably right that Stevens "fancied" Lisa, and opposed her employment as he succeeds in his employment by avoiding positions in which he might be asked to express his own opinions. Maybe Miss Kenton wants to "save" Stevens, and recognises a nice, ordinary, honorable man in him. I think that Stevens "hopes" that Miss Kenton will want to spend the rest of her life in peace at Darlington Hall, drinking cocoa and reminiscing. But Miss Kenton obviously left the Hall finally realising that she will never get Stevens to "come out and stop suppressing inner emotion"? We will see - I am not up to this bit yet.
Sorry, what a long winded and boring post. .....I am enjoying the book, and just thinking out loud.
Mod
Anyway, Stevens is one confused fella. I mean, how can he classify his being dignified when he cannot stand his own ground? I guess that's how people are in manor houses. He's like an embodiment of absolute obedience to the point of stupidity. His self-restraint is taking its toll. Its like he thinks Darlington is wrong and then he justifies. I guess he thinks his thoughts must demand loyalty to Darlington, being his employer for many years.
Marian, I tend to agree that you can't have dignity if you don't believe in anything / stand up for something. You are right - for him loyalty is the most important, and Stevens dignity derives from "perfect service" to his master. In Stevens' view, his masters' values are "right by definition". But there are cracks in his carapace - how can a man like that sneak into his pantry and read books on romance, or feel loss when Miss Kenton left?
Great discussing with you Marian - thanks!
Great discussing with you Marian - thanks!
Mod
Stevens holds a conservative view. That ordinary men cannot grasp the affairs of great men and it is best to not meddle or even have an opinion on such matters. Also, for the third time, Stevens denied knowing Lord Darlington. I think his denials showed that Lord Darlington's act is not the ways of a gentleman.
If Stevens paid more attention to Miss Kenton that night when she's crying, the night she accepted the proposal. Things could have been better. I swear I'd love to slap some senses out of that spineless bloke! So frustrating. The fact that Miss Kenton is almost pleading, crying her heart out for Stevens to say he was against the proposal, to say that he needs her. But instead, he excuses himself repeating how that secret meeting is so important to their country. If it's all important, then why was he indifferent to Mr. Cardinal. If truly he is loyal and thinks of his lordships welfare, then he should have put some weight and act upon Cardinal's revelation. Is Stevens even aware of the horrors spread by Hitler?
Though, I think the unhappy marriage that Miss Kenton suffered is of her own doing. I mean, why would she accept a proposal from a man she does not love? Is it because she wants a family and that her biological clock is ticking?
Andy, how are you doing? I have a feeling you're done reading. ;)
Mod
DAY SIX: WEYMOUTH
(view spoiler)
I have also finished, but I'll check your spoiler after writing.
The last chapter recounts Stevens' visit to Weymouth and, as a recollection, his discussion with Miss Kenton at Little Compton. We see yet two more examples of "the remains of the day", with the lights on Weymouth pier and the evening constituting the "best part of the day", but also Stevens realising that he has largely wasted his life in service to what he felt at the time was a "higher purpose This purpose (that of Lord Darlington) he did not understand but was sure of the "rightness of it" (like the unthinking trust of a child in his/her parents or teacher). Hence the remains of his day (his life) looked empty compared to that of Miss Kenton, who had left service and would have grandchildren to enjoy. Curiously she even tries to share this "future happiness" with Stevens, inviting him to visit her daughter. It is revealed that Miss Kenton, whilst at Darlington Hall, tried to irritate Stevens to draw his attention to her. I hadn't thought of that, if I am honest. The book does end on an optimistic note, as Stevens realises his "objective butler's view" and his refusal to leave this role at any time (death of his father, bereavement in Miss Kenton's family, sadness of Miss Kenton at leaving / getting engaged to be married) has denied him warmth and human relationships for the "remains of his day", and that his refusal to understand "banter" was a handicap and not "dignity".
What a sweet but sad book. Stevens was only able to unburden himself to a complete stranger, an ex-butler with whom he felt a link through his profession. But he did face his mistake ridden life with dignity, so his values were not completely wrong, and he did steadfastly believe in Lord Darlington and give him absolute loyalty - perhaps it was the loyalty of the man which attracted Miss Kenton?
A lovely and very rich book - thanks ever so much for suggesting it Marian, and for your insightful comments throughout the read!
The last chapter recounts Stevens' visit to Weymouth and, as a recollection, his discussion with Miss Kenton at Little Compton. We see yet two more examples of "the remains of the day", with the lights on Weymouth pier and the evening constituting the "best part of the day", but also Stevens realising that he has largely wasted his life in service to what he felt at the time was a "higher purpose This purpose (that of Lord Darlington) he did not understand but was sure of the "rightness of it" (like the unthinking trust of a child in his/her parents or teacher). Hence the remains of his day (his life) looked empty compared to that of Miss Kenton, who had left service and would have grandchildren to enjoy. Curiously she even tries to share this "future happiness" with Stevens, inviting him to visit her daughter. It is revealed that Miss Kenton, whilst at Darlington Hall, tried to irritate Stevens to draw his attention to her. I hadn't thought of that, if I am honest. The book does end on an optimistic note, as Stevens realises his "objective butler's view" and his refusal to leave this role at any time (death of his father, bereavement in Miss Kenton's family, sadness of Miss Kenton at leaving / getting engaged to be married) has denied him warmth and human relationships for the "remains of his day", and that his refusal to understand "banter" was a handicap and not "dignity".
What a sweet but sad book. Stevens was only able to unburden himself to a complete stranger, an ex-butler with whom he felt a link through his profession. But he did face his mistake ridden life with dignity, so his values were not completely wrong, and he did steadfastly believe in Lord Darlington and give him absolute loyalty - perhaps it was the loyalty of the man which attracted Miss Kenton?
A lovely and very rich book - thanks ever so much for suggesting it Marian, and for your insightful comments throughout the read!
Mod
Andy, thanks for being my reading buddy! I enjoyed reading your thoughts. :)
Oh, you already watched its movie, right? How was it compared to its book?
My wife tells me I fell asleep. If there isn't lots of action or it isn't funny, I tend to get bored at the movies! Sorry.......
Mod
This is the third novel of Kazuo Ishiguro. It won the 1989 Man Booker Prize for Fiction award. A film adaptation was made on 1993 starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, was nominated for eight Academy Awards.
It is one of the most highly-regarded post-war British novels. It appeared in a 2007 Guardian list of "Books you can't live without" and also in a 2009 "1000 novels everyone must read". In 2006, The Observer asked 150 literary writers and critics to vote for the best British, Irish or Commonwealth novel from 1980 to 2005; The Remains of the Day placed joint-eighth. It ranks 146th in a composite list of greatest twentieth century English-language novels by Brian Kunde of Stanford University.
Blurb
Narrated in first point of view person. The narrator, Stevens, a butler, recalls his life in the form of a diary while the action progresses through the present. Much of the novel is concerned with Stevens' professional and, above all, personal relationship with a former colleague, the housekeeper Miss Kenton.
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Start Date: April 16, 2013 (Tuesday)
Reading Schedule:
Day 1 - Prologue (pages 1 -17)
Day 2 - Day One: Evening (pages 17 - 38)
Day 3 - Day Two: Morning (pages 38 - 96)
Day 4 - Day Two: Afternoon (pages 96 - 109)
Day 5 - Day Three: Morning (pages 109 - 121)
Day 6 - Day Three: Evening (pages 121 - 173)
Day 7 - Day Four: Afternoon (pages 174 - 194)
Day 8 - Day Six: Evening (pages 194 - 207)
I've skimmed through the pages. This is how the book was divided, like a diary. Though, I'm not sure with the number of pages because my copy's an ebook.
What do you think? Let me know if you have other suggestions or whatnots ;)
Reading Buddies: Andy, Marian, Chibivy
Grab your copy and join us!
**edited**