The Remains Of The Day -- Kazuo Ishiguro [Full Book Review]

I seized what remained of my (non-metaphorical) day to record my thoughts upon finishing a much-beloved novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. And finished before it got completely dark.

Intro 0:00
Overview 2:44
Historical fiction 4:05
What is greatness? 4:52
Personal identity 6:36
Nostalgia 9:31
SPOILERS BEGIN 10:22
Suppression of emotion 10:33
Acknowledgment of emotion 12:17
Triumph or tragedy? 14:44
A life wasted? 15:48
Just one criticism 19:04

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[NicholasOfAutrecourt]

I appreciate the mention, it was very kind! The comparison to a student who sees themselves as academically successful, yet whose success might be instead the culmination of several secondary factors instead of a core identity feels oddly appropriate here, and really hits close to home. This was really insightful and incisive review, and I hope it makes it way to the top of the search list when people search for the novel here. And just to make sure that happens: thumbs up. :) Thanks for putting all your continued effort into these!

[christiansful]

This is excellent — for a verbal review it is exceptional — but then that applies to all of your reviews. Very interesting, the way you relate your own experience to the book.

[OlgaPit]

Mike, thanks a lot for such a wonderful detailed review!

[yeuhuanlai]

Nice work. Totally agree on the two clunky parts of the book. I had expected Stevens to some to a realisation of Darlington's delusions in the end, but would have preferred a smoother transition vs the sudden reveals we had. But you're right, it is a great book overall, and we nitpick.