Sunday Salon — The Remains of the Day
By Kristen on May 4, 2008 in The Sunday Salon
Happy Sunday, Fellow Readers! My Sunday began with my elderly pup (not as much of an oxymoron as you might think…) waking me hours before I would have chosen — unusual for my trusted companion (and a little irritating) — but I happily spent the extra early hours finishing The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, and what a wonderful way to start a lovely Sunday!
Now, before I start rambling on as usual, I am going to attempt to formalize my reviews, starting with this one. Since joining Dewey’s reviewing challenge yesterday, I have had exposure to many different reviews in the lit blog world and have decided to raise my bar a bit in order to be more useful. So, I will be including the first and last line of each novel I review (thanks to a tiny reading room for this idea!), a very brief synopsis, and then my review. I really debated about including a synopsis since I prefer to begin a new book with very little background info, but I was afraid the review would feel a bit unmoored without some plot context. I would love feedback on my new format, by the way!
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
1989 — 245 pp.
First line: It seems increasingly likely that I really will undertake the expedition that has been preoccupying my imagination now for some days.
Last line: I should hope, then, that by the time of my employer’s return, I shall be in a position to pleasantly surprise him.
Back cover Synopsis: It is the summer of 1956, and Stevens — an impeccable but aging butler — has embarked on a rare holiday: a motoring trip reluctantly undertaken at the urging of his new employer, the American businessman who has recently purchased Darlington Hall.
Review: As you can probably guess, the plot of this novel is not why one reviewer (Ann Beattie) proclaimed: “A perfect novel.” And I must agree with Beattie – The Remains of the Day is simply perfect. The prose is beautiful — reminiscent of Jane Austen in its formality and syntactical structure, but wholly unique in its tone and voice. The narrative structure is exquisite: the many flashbacks are well-suited to a narrator who is more comfortable in his past, well-defined role as the butler of a large, influential manor. However, the flashbacks are unified by the moments in the present, and it is in the present that we grow to love Mr. Stevens and empathize with his journey to redefine his identity and review his past as he nears the “remains” of his lifetime.
Throughout the novel, I was gripped by a desire to embrace Mr. Stevens, whisper that he has been a blessing to many, and then hand him a copy of Tolle’s A New Earth. However, he would not enjoy this inappropriate display of emotion and would ask me to please retain any dignity I might possess. He defines “dignity” in the following manner:
…’dignity’ has to do crucially with a butler’s ability not to abandon the professional being he inhabits…The great butlers ware great by virtue of their ability to inhabit their professional role and inhabit it to the utmost; they will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming or vexing.
I think this definition of dignity and the character of Mr. Stevens resonated with me for two personal reasons. First, I, too, struggled to define myself outside of my role as a teacher early in my career. The first few weeks of summer would be difficult and disorienting, and I quickly realized it was important I retain an identity outside of the classroom (accomplishing this was ultimatly easier than expected, thankfully). Mr. Stevens reached this conclusion at the end of his life and truly struggles to embrace any sort of identity or life beyond his professional role.
The second personal reason I loved this novel is my love of England. I was fortunate to study in the town of Cambridge during a semester overseas and just loved the people, towns, and especially the countryside of this lovely country. My sister, mother, aunt and I returned to the Cotswold a few years ago and spent a couple of weeks on a walking tour that was just lovely.
However, beyond these personal reasons for enjoying the novel, I loved it as a reader, too. I would recommend that you read it in one or two sittings, though. Since the syntax is a bit more complex, it is easier to get into the novel and then stay with it, rather than attempting to pick it up for a few minutes here and there. Otherwise, I definitely recommend it!
Last but not least, new challenge has beckoned – trying to read 10 of the 1,001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. I was about to skip over this until I found this site that has a Free Download of a spreadsheet of all 1,001 books and then calculates what percentage you have read (I’m at 11%) . Then I realized that the book I just finished (Remains) was on the list, as was the book I’m about to start this afternoon (The Secret History). So, I may throw my reading hat into the ring 
By the way, if you check out the list, I would love to hear your percentage, too! Happy Reading!
Welcome back!
Great review – I toyed with the first line last line thing when I changed my structure. My worry with the last line is inadvertantly giving something away!
I agree about the synopsis – some people don’t like to know the book’s description – and I often don’t read it before reading the book – but the review doesn’t feel right without it!
Mrs S | 50 Book Challenge | May 4, 2008 | Reply
The Remains of the Day’ is simply one of the most beautiful books I have ever read and surprisingly also made a very good film. If you haven’t seen it, unlike most adaptations, it’s one to watch out for.
Ann Darnton (Table Talk) | May 4, 2008 | Reply
@ Mrs. S — I wondered about the last line being a “spoiler” too. I think I will have to decide on a novel-by-novel basis! And I was afraid people would think “your opinion is fine and all, but what the heck is the book about!?”
@ Ann — I remember really liking the film when it came out, but I am going to rent it again now that I’ve read the book. I couldn’t help but think about Anthony Hopkins as I was reading, though. I now know both he and Emma T. were perfectly cast!
Kristen | May 4, 2008 | Reply
I loved The Remains of the Day and Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson were perfect in the adaptation.
Hope you enjoy The Secret History, I finished it recently and loved it!
Alix | May 4, 2008 | Reply
I just put Remains of the Day on my 1001 1% Challenge. I have never read it and loved the movie. I also like the format you are using for your reviews.
Erin | May 4, 2008 | Reply
I read book reviews only after I’ve read a book, so I really like your new review format.
I’m at 12.29% for the 1001 books spreadsheet. The books on the list are kind of odd…aren’t they?
Anna | May 4, 2008 | Reply
@Alix — The first few pages of History have me completely hooked…!
@Erin — Thank you for the feedback — I hope you enjoy Remains and if you review it, let me know and I’ll link to you!
@Anna — I thought the most contemporary books on the list were really interesting — I had read very few of them. And so many of McEwan’s novels were included — wonder if he got a kick back
Kristen | May 4, 2008 | Reply
Such a great spread-sheet! Thanks.
Mrs. B. | May 4, 2008 | Reply
I was glad to find it! You’re welcome!
Kristen | May 5, 2008 | Reply