The Remains of the Day

"Currently going absolutely feral for this one. Stevens is the dumbest little boy in all of England and I love him so much."

"Finished! Woah, what a good book! I had this in my DNF pile for about a year, I revisited this book in a different light, and absolutely took off! Super happy I picked it back up! Great story within! Some long chapters some short, very intricately written. Quiet sophisticated. 4/5 ⭐️ "

"I was recommended this book while looking for stories that would help me appreciate the fullness and fragility of life. While I see perfectly why this book was recommended, I just couldn't get into it. It's well written in the sense that it so perfectly captures a lifetime of experiences through a highly specific lens. I typically enjoy books that don't move quickly, but I found my mind wandering through a significant amount of the storyline. Potential spoilers, though nothing directly stated: The story is a stream of consciousness from the main character, a butler named Mr. Stevens. You pretty quickly get an idea of who he is: a man who takes his work more seriously than his life. He stays faithful to his position, unquestioning, throughout the entire book. None of the characters are particularly dynamic. I got exactly what I expected from each moment. I'd like to revisit again at some point, just not any time soon. "

"Ishiguro gently seduces the reader by narrating his novel from the unlikely perspective of a genteel English butler during early twentieth-century Britain. Nothing particularly dramatic or exciting happens, but the fastidiously professional Stevens gently pulls at our heartstrings in this restrained but elegantly written account of unreciprocated love and professional devotion. The pacing is slow, but the style is perfect. Like Ishiguro's more recent "The Buried Giant," there is a deep melancholy just beneath the surface and finishing this book left me in a bit of a funk.<br/><br/>I read somewhere that this is one of Jeff Bezos's favorite books. I suspect that Stevens's self-annihilating professional devotion in service of Lord Darlington (the customer!) resonated with Bezos. Stevens's unconventional relationship with his father likely hit close to home as well.<br/><br/>The narration in the audiobook is spot on.<br/><br/>Cross-posted from <a href="http://books.max-nova.com/remains-of-the-day/">http://books.max-nova.com/remains-of-the-day/</a>"

"This is an interesting book. I was not a huge fan of <u> Never Let Me Go </u> by this same author, but these two books are vastly different. This book is highly character-driven and very little happens plot-wise. That being said, Mr. Stephens is an interesting and intriguing character. It was very hard for me to understand his motives and his culture, the British aristocratic social system being such a foreign concept for this young idealistic American. Mr. Stephens is such a sad character, one that donates his entire life and sacrifices basically all his natural human emotions and even his personhood in serving a boss that perhaps was not that great of a person in the first place. Interesting and thought-provoking how in some societies, some people really have little choice over their own fates or destinies."

"Repressive. Devastating. Relatable."

"Worth a re-read for sure!"

""Those of us who wish to make our mark must realize that we best do so by concentrating on what is within our realm."<br/>This poignant novel truly encourages you to reflect on your choices and how these choices will impact your life. The story between Mr. Stevens and Miss. Kenton is heartbreaking and really implores you to think about what you want in your life. The progression of Mr. Stevens' life and looking back on his career and relationships show that we have the power to change our own world or realm. Who would want to look back years later in their life and say they wish they did or said something differently to change the outcome? From an outsider's perspective, these two characters truly wanted to be together but were too afraid to be proactive and act upon their feelings. And for what? Are either of them truly happy in their older years now?<br/><br/>This book taught me that it is important to go after what you desire; it is better to try and fail then not attempt at all. Our choices and our lives are our realm. It is important to act upon these choices as not acting upon them will also cause different effects we may not like. We often don't have many options in our life, but we are able to choose how to react to circumstances which is just as important. The title of this novel is fitting and we must all seize the remains of the day while there is still time to do so."

"Love this book!"

"😊"