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The Remains of the Day
245 pages, 1990
This is Kazuo Ishiguro's profoundly compelling portrait of a butler named Stevens.
Stevens, at the end of three decades of service at Darlington Hall, spending a day on a country drive, embarks on a journey through the past to reassure himself that he has served humanity by serving the "great gentleman," Lord Darlington.
But lurking in his memory are doubts about the true nature of Lord Darlington's "greatness" and much graver doubts about the nature of his own life.
In The Remains of the Day, Kazuo Ishiguro explores the concept of dignity. The protagonist, Stevens, believes that dignity is the most important quality for a butler. He suggests that maintaining dignity, even in difficult situations, is what separates great butlers from the rest. This theme encourages us to consider the role of dignity in our own lives.
Ishiguro's book shows us the price of suppressing our feelings. Stevens, the main character, never expresses his true feelings for Miss Kenton, leading to a life of regret. This takeaway encourages us to be open about our emotions and not let opportunities for love and happiness pass us by.
The Remains of the Day is a great book to check out if you're interested in the effects of blind loyalty. Stevens' unwavering loyalty to his employer, even when he disagrees with him, leads to personal loss and regret. This book encourages us to question authority and make decisions based on our own beliefs.
Kazuo Ishiguro's novel invites us to explore the power of memory and reflection. As Stevens reflects on his past, he begins to see things in a new light. This book encourages us to take a look at our own pasts and learn from our experiences.
In The Remains of the Day, we see the consequences of living in the past. Stevens spends so much time dwelling on his past that he fails to live in the present. This book encourages us to live in the moment and appreciate the present.
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Ishiguro's 'The Remains of the Day' is a profound exploration of the human condition, a masterpiece of its genre.
Harold Bloom - Literary criticIshiguro's novel is a work of great emotional force and technical finesse, a haunting meditation on the nature of humanity.
Salman Rushdie - Novelist'The Remains of the Day' is a beautifully crafted novel that leaves the reader with a lingering sense of melancholy and regret.
Margaret Atwood - Poet, novelistIshiguro's 'The Remains of the Day' is a novel of quiet yet profound resonance, a work of art that lingers in the mind long after the last page has been turned.
John Updike - Novelist, poet
