Book Report #222 The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Stevens is a dignified butler in the great house of Darlington Hall of England. He served Lord Darlington for many years, but since his passing is employed by Mr. Farraday of America.

Mr. Farraday allows the house to be closed for some days, so the staff is able to take time off away from the house. He encourages Stevens to go on a motor trip of the English countryside in his nice Ford car. Stevens accepts, and makes it a point to include a visit to Miss Kenton (now Mrs. Benn) who was formerly the housekeeper at Darlington Hall. From her latest letter, it seems to him that she may be interested in returning to Darlington Hall, and that could potentially solve a staffing problem for him.

Stevens takes his leisurely days to reflect on moments that have stuck with him throughout his career. This is how we learn more about his relationship with Lord Darlington and Miss Kenton.

This story is not fraught with tension or filled with adventure. Like Stevens, it slowly and thoughtfully reveals itself.

While Stevens explains events through the eyes of reason and professionalism, it seems that there could potentially be more at play. In the end, it's clear what has been going on under the surface, and Stevens' humanity is revealed in a tender moment. What he chooses to do with the information he gathers has to be what earned this book the Booker Prize.

General consensus: A relaxed character study that moved me to tears in the end. Beautiful.