The Remains of the Day

I have never been a fan of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novels (just recently, I worked through The Unconsoled and had a horrible time doing so), but having finished The Remains of the Day, I can understand why this is one of his more famous—and not to mention famous—works. Simple, quiet, and emotional in his signature style, it’s a better example of what Ishiguro’s writing can accomplish, if he only stays focused and has a solid concept.

The main character, Stevens, moves through his life with a professional detachment that borders on robotic (another consistent character type of Ishiguro’s), but his reflections, embarrassments, and hints of regret are all familiarly human. 

The climax scene of the story—contained in only a few short paragraphs—of the moment when Stevens and Ms. Kenton reunite and speak of their missed opportunities and what-ifs are relatable to anyone, making it all the more heartbreaking. We can’t change the past, so we make do with what we have. But it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t dwell from time to time.

Ok, fine. I’ll say it. With this book, Ishiguro finally wrote something that I genuinely like.