Kazuo Ishiguro was born in Nagasaki in 1954 and moved to Britain at the age of five. He was awarded the OBE in 1995 and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1998. "The Remains of the Day" is his fourth novel, was first published in 1989 and won that year's Booker Prize.

Opening in July 1956, the story is told by Mr Stevens - a butler approaching the end of his career. He has been based at Darlington Hall for many years and, for most of his time there, had served Lord Darlington. While the outside world has changed dramatically since Stevens started out as a butler, the changes within the walls are proving a little more difficult for him. Following the death of Lord Darlington a few years previously, the stately home is now in the hands of an American called Farraday. Unsurprisingly, Farraday is a great deal less formal than Lord Darlington and Stevens isn't quite sure how to relate to his new boss. Furthermore, when once there were twenty-eight members of staff at Darlington Hall, there are now only four. Sections of the house have now been put 'under wraps' - effectively closed down - with fairly radical alterations to what would have been each person's 'traditional' responsibilities. Stevens has become rather worried when some small errors creep into his own work - these, he feels, stem from the slightly flawed staff plan he developed.

Stevens is taken by surprise when his new employer suggests he takes some time off and borrows the car - to the point he, initially, doesn't take the suggestion seriously. However, he starts to change his mind when he receives a letter from Miss Kenton, Darlington Hall's former housekeeper - the first time in seven years he'd heard from her. Technically, Miss Kenton has been Mrs Benn since she left Darlington Hall in 1936 - though it seems, her marriage has recently ended. In her letter she spoke of her time at the Hall as the happiest period in her life and, reading between the lines, Stevens believes she may be willing to return as a member of staff - an appointment, he believes, that would iron out the kinks in his staff plan. Accordingly, having organised a meeting with his former colleague, Stevens takes a road trip to the West Country. "The Remains of the Day" follows Stevens on his trip and, as he looks forward to his meeting with Miss Kenton, he looks back on their shared times together at Darlington Hall.

Stevens proves to be a very stiff, formal, nearly snobbish character - one who has become quite obsessed with 'dignity'. He (rather ridiculously) believes that only the English are capable of 'emotional restraint' required to being butlers - though, as time goes on, it becomes clear that Stevens' emotional restraint has cost him more than he cares to admit. His memories of Miss Kenton tend to focus on professional matters, and - while it began and ended a little badly - for many years, it seems they had got on quite well. Stevens' memories, of course, only tell half of that story. Lord Darlington, naturally, also features strongly in his memories. Stevens had been blindly loyal to Lord Darlington - under no circumstances would he disagree ever disagree with his lordship's decisions, publicly or privately. Darlington had fought in the First World War, though - being an honourable gentleman - believed the Treaty of Versailles was excessively harsh on the German people. He had become an important figure in the period between the wars - and, having played host to many influential people during this time, had even tried to shape Britain's foreign policy towards Germany. Unsurprisingly, his reputation has been in tatters since the Second World War. Stevens still feels Lord Darlington was a well-meaning man, though perhaps misguided - though still denies having worked for him several times during the book.

Ishiguro's books are definitely better than most you'll find on the bookshelves, and many people seem to rate this as his best to date. Personally, I think he's done better - particularly with "When We Were Orphans" and "Never Let Me Go". However, "The Remains of the Day" is certainly a worth reading and, despite Stevens' stiffness, it was hard not to feel sorry for him come the end of the book.

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Caught at the Ireland meetup in Belfast.

Far removed from 'Never Let Me Go' and 'An Artist of the Floating World'.
Stevens, the old butler, reminded me of a very subdued, sober and serious Jeeves. Quite a trip down someone else's memory lane; slow and meandering, but still quite interesting.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Ireland.

So sorry for the delay in journalling these. Thank you so much for sending them, adding them to Mt. TBR now.
Brings back such good memories of a wonderful day in Belfast

I find it hard to believe that Never Let Me Go, and this book were written by the same author. However saying that I loved Never Let Me Go, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I found Stevens a sad, misguided creature. He set such store by his profession and the carrying out of his orders to the highest standards, that he ended up foregoing friendships, companionship, comfort. It is clear throughout the book, that he loves Miss Kenton (and it seems that she does him) but he does not have the wherewithal to put his feelings into action.

Also I am torn as to whether his feelings for Lord Darlington was just of loyalty, duty and some friendship that had built up over the years, or perhaps, on Stevens part, ran a little deeper than that.

The man Stevens became is very well illustrated by his relationship with his Father. There was a common purpose, but no common bond.

All in all a very enjoyable book, thank you for sharing.

Caught at the October meeting in the Longstone Pub

Took it at the May meeting.

I love this book. In the beginning, I just liked the fact that I could hear Stevens speak with this distinguished British accent.
Then I liked the slowly unraveling of the story, of his past, of his feelings.
His life becomes ever complex. The only question that presented itself in my mind was, to whom Stevens would write such a personal and truthful reflection of his innermost feelings.

I gave it to a non-BC collegue from work.

If you aren't familiar with Bookcrossing, take a few minutes to check out this very cool site. Bookcrossers LOVE books, and more than anything, they love to read books and then set them free for other people to find and enjoy. We would love it, if you would leave a journal entry -- you can say where you found the book or how you liked it when you read it.

I absolutely loved this book! it is a piece of truly good writing - something you don't find that often these days.
I brought the book on my trip to India and gave it to another traveller I met here. Namaste!