The Remains of the Day [Book Review]

In which I drag out a metaphor and we see the return of the blooper.

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FTC Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. All books/products were purchased with my own money, unless otherwise noted. Any books received from authors and publishers were provided in exchange for an honest review.

[davidcopson]

You should re-read this wonderful novel. I have read it three times, you'll get more from it each time. I say that as a 65-year-old man though. You are at the elevens's of your life (just after your breakfast). It is about the passage of life devoted to the concept of duty and serving others, and realising too late that you cannot regain time.

[tortoisedreams]

Hoping you do re-read this someday as to me it's a masterpiece of understatement and subtlety, while addressing big themes (the meaning of life and the nature of evil, what more could you want?) in what seem like commonplace acts. And it's perfectly written -- his control of tone is flawless! Worth a second glance sometime. I just found your site while looking for reviews of Oscar Wao (another fine book!). I also saw that you reviewed 1Q84, but that's on my TBR shelf. Thanks for the review.

[upuleesamarakoon]

I'm still 18 but I did enjoy the story so much that I couldn't get my eyes away from reading until I finished reading it.I love its sub texts and its themes. In a way, the themes it generates and the genre of story itself are not common but touching

[abnashibanga]

I saw most of the film but not all of it and I have not read the book. The message is clear to me, in todays society the workplace can become your home and you forget about who you really are. Mr Stevenson lives for his employer, the days are long and the work is hard. What really shocked me was Mr Stevensons father working in the same job for 50 years and dying in the workplace just could've understand it.

[StephenHeiner]

Lol the opposite for me. ROTD is one of the finest novels of the last 30 years and I’ve been chasing that level in his writings. NLMG did not measure up. Will keep looking for it.

[tomkim]

I agree with you. I didn’t enjoy remains of the day as much as I enjoyed Klara or Never Let Me Go. These two others books were much more creative and heart felt…but all very British and a commentary on human relationships—its joys, necessities and pains

[garyrobinson]

The movie is awesome. Give it a watch.

[Michael-hwwk]

I watched the film when I was in high school, but just finished the audiobook. I enjoyed it a great deal and remember enjoying Never Let Me Go, but due to its dystopian and disturbing nature (young individuals having their organs farmed out to the wealthy), I preferred The Remains of the Day.

[Jikaninja]

English Butler……Traditional Japanese Samurai to their lords……English custom……Bushido……The remains of the day of the British empire…..Imperial Japanese empire or traditional Japanese culture which fading to the sunset….a English born Japanese writer…..probably struggled between 2 very dominant culture within himself all his life…..just saying…….Lord Darlington:” we call it honor!” Umm…..honor, you says eh! Bushido like to talk about what again?

[andrewkeir]

to each their own. remains of the day is my favourite! NLMG was disappointing for me

[RyanPetrieWrites]

I love this book; I love how it is so understated in its writing. I love writers who use the power of understatement in their books; this is perhaps my favourite of all Ishiguro's works, even thought Never Let Me Go is a fantastic and emotional tale, I found this one more so because of the events surrounding it. I found Lord Darlington a very strange character, though - I won't spoil the book with information - there were times when I was like "Really queen?!" because of some of the decisions he makes a person. However, watching all that from Stevens' point of view was immensely interesting. I love this book, I love the power of it. Definitely deserved the Booker Prize.

[BookishBrits]

I really enjoyed this book. You're right, there is very little plot but it's still really interesting. Sad that you didn't enjoy this one as much as you'd have liked. I read it before Never Let Me Go so didn't have those same super high expectations. -Michelle

[kaaravindakshan]

I am reading this book and it's a little boring in the beginning and unnecessary descriptive, anyhow I am planning to finish reading.

[biljanakocanovic]

You are very lovely...very honest...in a future perhaps try one more time...

[Jikaninja]

And you missed the English born Japanese writer maybe try to tell the similarities of the Japanese and English ppl, cultural burden, stubbornness, absolutely loyalty like Bushido is like? You kind of missed the book…..of the remains of the day of both the Japanese and British empires…..go read and study more, grasshopper….