Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

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 Remains of the Day

This book immediately struck me as a character study. I didn’t expect much action, and predictably, didn’t get much.  Mostly it was about getting inside a stuffy, dignified butler’s head, listening to his internal dialogue, his thought process, and his many recollections of a thirty-year career, annnnnnnnnnd—I LOVED IT!!  💗 It had such depth and insight that I couldn’t wait to return each day to see what Mr. Stevens would reveal and what the outcome of his quest would be.  I was not disappointed.  In fact, the book stirred me more than I expected.  Yes, those tears fell freely when I wasn’t looking.  It snuck up on me—all of it, all of Mr. Stevens’ days that he shared moved me in some way.

 

I’m not sure this book is for everyone.  "Boring" is how one friend described it as he politely set it aside. BUT I truly believe if my friend got into his Zen mode and picked it up again, he might—if not quite LOVE it—at least appreciate it.  In my opinion this book definitely earned its Booker Prize.


I think my friend and I would have a lot to discuss, namely Stevens’ dignity, his unflappable dignity, that with years of practice pumps through the blood of great butlers.  We would also touch upon Stevens’ utter devotion and loyalty to his employer and his profession as a butler of the highest standards—to which he yielded his life.  We would, no doubt, discuss Stevens’ father and Stevens’ obvious blindness to Miss Kenton. Finally we’ll fold in some anecdotes like the message he’s expected to deliver to twenty-three-year-old Reginald, or Stevens’ difficulty with the concept of relaxed, bantering conversations.  In the end, we’ll ask—was it all worth it for Stevens?  

 

I’ll say it again; I loved this book.  Another reason to like it is that it didn’t presume to take up an enormous amount of time.  At 245 pages, it was an enjoyable hill instead of a challenging mountain to climb. 

 

I know the book was made into a movie in 1993, but I have no desire to see the film starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.  I’m sure they did an excellent job, and I probably wouldn’t even see flashes of Hannibal Lecter seeping through Stevens’ persona, but for now I have my own images formed and will relish in them.


Happy Reading!

Annette



 

Comments

Marianne said…
I read the book a couple of years ago (see here). It was my second book by Kazuo Ishiguro and it didn't impress me more than the first one. One of my remarks back then: "I found the writing very lengthy and drawn-out, the sentences dwindling toward an end that has nothing to do with the beginning anymore." I think he is not for me (like so many Book Prize recipients, unlike most Nobel Prize winners). I am glad, though, that you liked it and I can follow your thoughts. Like you, I am hardly ever inclined to watch a film they made from a beloved book.
July 21, 2023 at 3:57 AM
Reading in the Garden said…
Thanks, Marianne. I enjoyed reading your comments about the book! I have to say that before I read this book, I wasn't expecting all too much and I was so pleasantly surprised! I loved how we slowly learned about Stevens' life and his employer's political views and the cost of those views.
July 21, 2023 at 5:47 AM
Reading in the Garden said…
I wasn't done.... accidentally hit the wrong button.😄 I also wanted to say that I have a hard time reading another book from an author if I didn't like the first book. But there have been times when I've dared to read on and liked another book by the author better. I guess you never know until you try. 🙂
July 21, 2023 at 5:52 AM
Marianne said…
I think that's the same for everyone. Too often, that first books indicates the style and if we don't like that ... I have sometimes read another book by an author when people who like him told me that was his worst book. But, there are authors that are not for me, as every author is liked by different people.
July 23, 2023 at 3:26 AM
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