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Summary
A contemporary classic, The Remains of the Day is Kazuo Ishiguro's beautiful and haunting evocation of life between the wars in a Great English House. In the summer of 1956, Stevens, the ageing butler of Darlington Hall, embarks on a leisurely holiday that will take him deep into the countryside - and into his past.
Really enjoyed reading 'The Remains of the Day' - it was a great read that kept me hooked. I'm kinda bummed that it had to end because I was so invested in the story. I might even give it another go in the future.
I almost didn't feel like giving this audiobook a chance, after my experience with another book by Kazuo Ishiguro that I happened to buy. However, I decided to stick with it for a while, and surprisingly, it became strangely captivating. It's hard to believe that a tale centered around an English butler, narrated from the perspective of an English butler, could be this compelling.
To be honest, I had different expectations going into this book. It turned out to be quite a somber tale, but I must say, it achieves its intended impact quite effectively. The way it portrays melancholy is truly unique, which is why I highly recommend giving it a read.
I discovered this book back in 1992 and recently experienced it through an audio service. On both occasions, I found immense pleasure in immersing myself in the story. It serves as a remarkable contemplation on life, encompassing elements of beauty and melancholy.
The Remains of the Day is an exquisitely written and deeply moving book. The narration is nearly flawless, capturing the essence of the story. While some may find the pace slow, I personally appreciated the gradual unfolding of the narrative, which reveals its intricate layers. Initially expecting a conventional historical fiction, I realized that this description doesn't do justice to the novel's true essence (and I say this with no complaints whatsoever). Although it is set in a bygone era of British history, the heart of the book lies in its characters and their unique perspectives on themselves, the world, and their relationships. I'm grateful that I went into the book without any prior knowledge of the plot, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the story. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
I must say, 'The Remains of the Day' was quite a disappointment for me. It felt like a never-ending stream of thoughts, about as thrilling as observing the drying process of paint. Despite the positive acclaim it received, I held onto the hope that it would improve. Alas, that was not the case. Thankfully, I was able to return it thanks to the great return policy offered by the service.
I just recently got introduced to Kazuo Ishiguro through "The Remains of the Day", and let me tell you, it's been an amazing find. I can't stop raving about how incredible the book is and how captivating the narration turned out to be. The brilliance of the storytelling lies in its ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, showcasing the profoundness that can be found within the smallest, everyday moments. It made me realize that there's something remarkable and deeply meaningful in every person's life, if you're willing to truly observe and explore.
Pros: The author demonstrates a wonderful command of language and storytelling techniques. I eagerly anticipate reading another book by this author. The narrator skillfully captures the essence of the story to the best of their ability.
Cons: Oh boy, this book is a snooze-fest. The protagonist is an uptight, pompous, and joyless butler who takes pride in serving a man solely based on his birthright and wealth. At one point, he struggles with the notion that having a sense of humor might actually be beneficial. It's only towards the end of the book that he finally experiences the consequences of his rigid mindset, but getting there is an excruciatingly long and dull journey. "Tedious" is the perfect word to describe it. Frankly, I can't recommend this book to anyone I know... unless they have trouble falling asleep at night.
I've been a fan of this story for quite some time now, whether it's the different adaptations like Anthony Hopkins' amazing performance from years ago or the original book itself. It's been a while since I first read it, but Nicholas Guy Smith's portrayal of the characters was absolutely incredible. His delivery of the beautiful words was truly masterful and made for an outstanding performance.
I watched the movie adaptation of "The Remains of the Day" a long time ago and enjoyed it, mainly because of the talented actors Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins. I never got around to reading the book until recently when I was looking for a good audio option to keep me entertained while doing chores and walking my dog. At first, I found the opening chapter a bit slow, but I soon realized that it was setting the stage for the story and the subsequent revelations in a really nuanced way. I really appreciated that. The scene in the tea room towards the end was particularly powerful and evocative. In a nutshell, the book explores the journey of self-discovery of a man who was set in his ways, but discovers new things about himself in his later years. If you appreciate the English language used in a genuine and unpretentious manner, you'll definitely enjoy this book. The writing is exceptional, which is evident from the accolades it has received. The narrator of the audiobook was outstanding, one of the best I've heard. He brought the characters to life with his voice, making it easy for me to visualize them. However, I must say that this book might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for those who prefer fast-paced modern entertainment or books that are more focused on introspection. Many readers, including professionals like literary agents, tend to give up on a book if it doesn't grab their attention in the first few pages. But in this case, that would be a huge mistake. It's a well-crafted book that beautifully portrays the characters and the circumstances that shaped their lives.
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