MY FAVOURITE BOOK | THE REMAINS OF THE DAY | KAZUO ISHIGURO

In this video your host discusses his favourite book - The Remains of the Day by Sir Kazuo Ishiguro.

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[LeScandal]

The Remains of the Day has been my favourite novel ever since I read it shortly after it came out in 1989. I describe it to people as a “perfect novel”. It never betrays itself with any word or action that the reader might find uncharacteristic. As you mention in your review, the dialogue is an exact representation of how people spoke during that era, a time when radio was the main form of entertainment and society was more literate. Modern conveniences are something to behold but they have come at a cost. I fear society has lost its sense of decorum and refinement. The Remains of the Day is a reminder of this.

[tonykelly]

Dear Ash,

I love this book too . I remember having to translate it into French during my year abroad . Kazuo Ishiguro is such a great writer … having such a unique style that one cannot help but be drawn to . Thanks for all your great content, Ash . I’ve learnt so much from your channel !!

Best wishes,

Tony Kelly

[jeremiahlynch]

Ash, I highly recommend the movie of the same name and based on the book. Superb performances by Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson in the leading roles.

[teodormilkov]

I can see a parallel between Stevens' stubbornness to maintain his dignity towards his employer, and Rolex AD staff's way of conduct towards customers who are not dressed up but dare to go near the store.

[mikewilliams]

Good fiction contains more capital T truth about what it means to be human than non-fiction. If you're reading Ishiguro, you can safely say "that way I get learning and I get learning." Good fiction is much more than entertainment. The Remains of the Day is one of the finest novels I've read.

[guitarplayer]

Sincerely appreciate the review! Please feel free to recommend more reading material!

[j.burgess]

Oh yes, and this book was also filmed and a lot of it was shot in our neck of the woods in the South-West, wasn't it? Starring Anthony Hopkins, the late Christopher Reeve (just before the tragic accident that paralysed him, I think) James Fox (brother of Edward Fox from "Day of the Jackal" and the father of the heroic Laurence Fox) and then that batty woman Emma Thompson as well.😄

[bigbadbith]

A wonderful book. And a wonderful film.

[bzzhzgo]

Sir, you are a great speaker. No umhs and pauses. Wish I am like that.

[Sshooter]

This book reminds me of a line from the play/movie "The Madness of George III", when the King is asked if he regrets not having other women before marriage. He replies, "Life is not without its regrets, but also not without its consolations."

[jan]

Loved the book, loved the movie. Fiction but very realistic. All men deserve to be free . To serve is great but not to these extremes.I have met butlers in my life and soms of them did not have a life of their own. Like the song by Matt Monro ~ Born free says Born free
And life is worth living
But only worth living
'Cause you're born free.

Another flawless video 🥃 thank you sir

[edifilipe]

Thanks for sharing your favourite book with us. I'm always looking for great books, this one will definitely be added to my wishlist.

[simonhodgetts]

Must confess that I haven’t read the novel, but I did see the film for the first time last year (I know, I know - where have I been?), and thoroughly enjoyed it, although I did find the back story with Stevens’ father heartbreaking……….

[violinda.]

Just finished. Quick, easy read. Very clear, well-written. Thought-provoking. Thanks for your comments.

[viclucyzia]

If you want to relax in your oak lodge and have a good hearty laught I suggest the Jeeves books from P. G. Wodehouse. A real gentleman's humour.

[dimarcodrahgi]

Loved this one. Sounds like a great read.

[josephineduke]

Have never read the book but I really enjoyed the film and didn't know it was a Japanese author, but I have to say the Japanese character is similar to the British character so can understand how he can write such a British book. Must visit the local library and see what books they have by this author. Thanks Ash.

[karlmatsumoto]

Great book, Ishiguro's masterpiece for sure, though he's written some duds like The Buried Giant. The movie goes beyond the book in many ways, and contains a wonderful performance by Christopher Reeve as Stevens' American employer as a young man. He really gives life to Ishiguro's dialogue. Hugh Grant is also hilarious in it.

[jeffanco]

It’s now next on my Audible list. Your observation of the descriptive dialogue and the fact Stevens is an English butler make me think of PG Woodhouse’ character Jeeves. Obviously the subject matter is a bit more lighthearted! Thanks!

[danielschaeffer]

A thought-provoking vid. One of the books that made my childhood was Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness, ” in which his hero, Marlowe, famously recommends work and restraint as antidotes to barbarism — it’s clear that he thinks of the colonizers as nearly as barbarous as the colonized, and even more blameworthy because they should know better. If Marlowe had been in Stevens’ position, how would he have reacted? He possibly would have resigned reluctantly and joined the RAF.

And it sounds like there’s a bit of Henry James’ sensibility in this novel as well.