The Remains of the Day

A compelling portrait of the perfect English butler and of his fading, insular world in postwar England. At the end of his three decades of service at Darlington Hall, Stevens embarks on a country drive, during which he looks back over his career to reassure himself that he has served humanity by serving “a great gentleman.” But lurking in his memory are doubts about the true nature of Lord Darlington’s “greatness” and graver doubts about his own faith in the man he has served.

I knew the premise of the book, I watched the movie version a few years ago and I enjoyed it. And when I saw it listed as a Booker Prize Winner, I couldn't resist on adding it to my Book Awards III list.

It took me a long time to get into the story. I enjoyed the way the author writes, it flows and it gives my imagination a workout, especially the way he describes the sceneries. But I found the main character, Stevens, to be dull and boring. His life is his job, and I don't think he's able to see what is really happening around him. Slowly though, he starts to realize what he's been missing. It's a long journey.

I enjoyed it and I'm glad that I read it. But I don't think it's the type of book that I'll ever re-read, once was enough.

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (3.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Faber & Faber (1989); Book Awards III Challenge (3); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (121);