The Remains of the Day

by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 68
  • Added: 2025-08-30
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780571249350
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2009-01-08
  • Formats: 70
  • Reviews: 4

In the summer of 1956, Stevens, the esteemed butler of Darlington Hall, embarks on a leisurely holiday that takes him deep into the English countryside and into his past. As he reflects on his life in service, Stevens grapples with the choices he has made and the sacrifices he has endured in the name of duty. /n/n A contemporary classic, The Remains of the Day is a profound and moving exploration of personality, class, and culture. Ishiguro's evocative prose and intricate character study have earned this novel widespread acclaim, making it a timeless piece of literary fiction.

Reviews
Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries · Col · 2025-08-30
excellent 4.80

The book was highly praised by the book club for its compelling narrative and rich character study. The review highlights the book's emotional resonance and its skillful portrayal of missed opportunities and dignity.

Col from the Inspire book club found the novel to be a standout, appreciating its compelling storytelling and the depth of its characters. They were particularly struck by the emotional resonance of the story, which dealt with themes such as missed opportunities and the complex nature of dignity and duty. The review reflects a strong positive consensus within the book club, underscoring the novel's appeal as a rich and thought-provoking read that stimulates meaningful discussion among readers.

Quick quotes

    Overall Book club rating - 4.8/5

    A compelling page turner which also deservedly won the Booker Prize.

    Highly recommended for its emotional depth and character study.

readwildness.com · 2025-08-30
intriguing 4.50

The novel is a multilayered critique blending subtle satire with a deep exploration of personal and social themes. It is recognized as a brilliant and strange book that challenges readers to think beyond the surface.

This review emphasizes the complexity and brilliance of the novel, describing it as not just a simple story but a multilayered critique that transcends typical genre boundaries. The book's subtlety and depth invite readers to engage with its themes thoughtfully, appreciating the nuanced portrayal of its characters and the social commentary woven throughout. The reviewer finds it compelling in its ability to be both strange and brilliant, suggesting a unique reading experience that provokes reflection on dignity, loyalty, and personal regret.

Quick quotes

    The Remains of the Day is a strange book, and a brilliant one too.

    It's not quite a satire, but it is definitely a multilayered critique.

    The book challenges readers to think beyond the surface.

The Booker Prizes · 2023-01-09
thought-provoking 4.25

The novel subtly critiques the English obsession with class and offers a fresh perspective on the country. It's a quietly subversive work that challenges conventional views.

This review emphasizes the novel's subtle yet powerful critique of class obsession in England. The reviewer appreciates how the story challenges conventional views and offers a fresh perspective on the country. They note that the novel's quiet subversiveness makes it a compelling read. The story's exploration of servitude and freedom adds depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking piece. The reviewer finds the novel's ability to provoke reflection on societal norms particularly impressive.

Quick quotes

    Kazuo Ishiguro's quietly subversive novel showed the English obsession with class and made this writer look at the country with fresh eyes.

    It's a fascinating exploration of servitude and freedom.

    The novel's quiet subversiveness makes it a compelling read.

Literature and Leisure · 2022-01-01
beautiful 4.75

Despite its simple structure, the novel offers a profound and moving character study. It stands out as one of the most beautiful and poignant pieces of literature.

The reviewer praises the novel for its simplicity and depth, noting that it is a masterful character study. They highlight the beauty and poignancy of the story, which resonates deeply with readers. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, loss, and empathy is particularly noteworthy. The reviewer appreciates how the story manages to be both deeply personal and universally relatable, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    While fairly simple in structure, The Remains of the Day has to be one of the most beautiful and poignant character sketches I've ever read.

    It uses the classic structure to deliver a profound and moving narrative.

    The novel's exploration of themes such as love, loss, and empathy is particularly noteworthy.

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