49 pages • 1 hour read
Kazuo IshiguroThe Remains of the Day
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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).