49 pages • 1 hour read •
The Remains of the Day
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Book Brief
245
Novel • Fiction
England • 1950s
1989
Faber & Faber
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, published in 1989, follows Stevens, an elderly butler who reminisces about his service to Lord Darlington in the 1920s-1930s while revisiting their estate. He reflects on his loyalty, missed personal opportunities, and his relationship with Miss Kenton, against the backdrop of historical political events and personal loss. The book includes content related to wartime atrocities.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
341,526 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day garners acclaim for its introspective narrative and subtle portrayal of post-war England. Critics praise the novel's masterful character development, especially the protagonist's complex emotional journey. However, some find the pacing slow and the introspective style excessively brooding. Overall, it is celebrated for its profound emotional depth and intricate exploration of duty and regret.
Who Should Read The Remains of the Day?
Readers who cherish introspective narratives and character-driven stories will find The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro compelling. Fans of Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient or Ian McEwan's Atonement will appreciate its elegant prose, exploration of memory, and themes of duty and regret (Ishiguro).
341,526 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Miss Kenton
Miss Kenton
The former housekeeper at Darlington Hall, who left to marry and now lives in southwest England. She shares a deep, unspoken connection with Stevens, which greatly influences his personal and professional life.
Lord Darlington
Lord Darlington
A wealthy British aristocrat and former owner of Darlington Hall, who plays a significant role in Stevens's life and professional career. Known for his traditional values and controversial political associations, he is a central figure in Stevens's memories.
Mr. Farraday
Mr. Farraday
An American businessman and Stevens's employer after purchasing Darlington Hall. His casual demeanor and modern attitudes contrast with Stevens's traditional views, creating friction and symbolizing the changes in society.
William Stevens
William Stevens
Stevens's father, also a butler, whose declining health and professional struggles are depicted during his time at Darlington Hall. He serves as a model for professionalism for Stevens, but also a poignant reminder of the costs of over-committing to one's work.
The Remains of the Day won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 1989, establishing Kazuo Ishiguro as a prominent novelist in the literary world.
The novel was adapted into an acclaimed film in 1993, starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, which garnered eight Academy Award nominations.
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Kazuo Ishiguro wrote The Remains of the Day in just four weeks, using a technique he refers to as the "crash," where he isolates himself and focuses entirely on writing.
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245
Novel • Fiction
England • 1950s
1989
Faber & Faber
Adult
18+ years
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