I have a new book highlight which is consequently a strong recommendation, fellow book lovers. I adored this book and the beautiful style in which it is written - it is Remains of the Day, a modern classic by Kazuo Ishiguro, British writer with Japanese roots. Ishiguro's family came to England when he was five years old, and it's incredible the level of command of English language he achieved as a non-native citizen. The book is a pleasure to the senses.
It's one of those perfect literary works that unerringly captures the essence of a world and life vanishing under the relentless passage of time. At first glance, it’s a slow-paced story with little action, unfolding primarily between the lines, in the unspoken words that are not on the page but sensed by the reader—this is what makes this book exceptional. Ishiguro masterfully conveys the feeling of internal struggle through a subtly crafted and emotionally charged narrative.
At the center of the novel is Mr. Stevens, now an aging butler in a distinguished English aristocratic household that once hosted meetings of vital national and international importance between the two world wars. After more than three decades of loyal service, during which his sole focus was to serve his master without reservation, Stevens finally, at the urging of the house's new owner, decides to embark on a journey through the rolling hills and unexplored towns of England—his first vacation after all these years.
While we follow his travels, the most important insights about his life are revealed through frequent introspections that take him back to his years of service. We learn about his moral dilemmas regarding what dignity truly means and how a good butler should conduct himself, we hear about the tense conversations among influential politicians he witnessed that shaped the fate of the world, and, above all, we delve into his tumultuous relationship with the house’s former housekeeper, Miss Kenton.
"I do not think I responded immediately, for it took me a moment or two to fully digest these words of Miss Kenton. Moreover, as you might appreciate, their implications were such as to provoke a certain degree of sorrow within me. Indeed—why should I not admit it?—at that moment, my heart was breaking. Before long, however, I turned to her and said with a smile:
'You're very correct, Mrs. Benn. As you say, it is too late to turn back the clock.'"
Mr. Stevens (we never hear his first name) is one of those traditional, old-school butlers, one of the last of his kind, who is incredibly serious about his job - his whole life is dedicated to making sure everything is smooth and perfect for his lord. That's why we sometimes see him as acting petty towards the servants and criticizing them for small oversights.
He fails to see the red flags in the behavior of his master, mainly being a Nazi sympathizer in 1930s either because of naivety or intent. But for Mr. Stevens, that's not something a butler should ponder about - at least he thought it before old age and regret started showing signs. Nothing could derange him from doing his job - not even the death of a loved one.
This poignant, subtly humorous and above all else painful story paints the feeling of regret stronger than anything I've ever read. It's written in a beautiful, rich and elegant style of the old English language, in the manner of its elegant protagonist, and it deserves to be read by everyone. One of my favorites so far this year.
4.75/5 stars
A particular work by Charles Dickens traumatized me. It made me avoid books written in the Old English language. But, your review and rating is convincing enough for me to check this work out despite its use of the old English.
I have avoided Dickens so far as well but it's on my TBR.
Don't be afraid of the Remains of the Day, it's not that the language itself is old, but the style of writing is eloquent in a way you don't see it much nowadays. It was beautiful to read and I was lucky that the translation I read was amazing as well.
I understand better now. I'll look for it and add to my to-read list. Thank you.
If this book was written by American Japanese, critics would probably note that the novel reflexes the drama of being a child in an immigrant Asian family where a child has to serve his parents with the zeal of the old-school butler 😃😉
Sounds great. This reminds me stories and novels of Norwegian author Tarjei Vesaas. Not much action, few characters and all of them are simple people living simple lives but it's so much about inner experiences and struggles; one of my favorite writers. The Birds is the most significant novel of his (but don't read about the novel on wiki - spoilers there).
Hey, man, sorry for replaying late, just got back from the vacation. :) I'm looking for Tarjei in my local bookstores and it's sold out, there's one copy of "The Ice Palace" in the used bookstore. I'll keep an eye on it as it seems interesting. Thanks for the recommendation!
I think you will enjoy Remains of the Day, Ishiguro writes with the Japanese precision and the British charm. It's very atmospheric. Let me know if you give it a try. There's a famous movie based on the book with Anthony Hopkins which I'm planning to watch with my friends when they finish the book. :D
Hey, no problem :)
Japanese and British in one looks like a lovely cocktail. If the book is on my way, I'll give it a try. Though, few English books in Southeast Asia. (But many Russian ones are available for free online. Reading a play by Bulgakov, I never heard about, fun).
This is a very interesting book, particularly because the writer has Japanese roots, so he must have his own unique cultural perspective on the events that transpired during the Second World War. Excellent review.
Thank you very much and sorry for the late response. :)
It almost feels like the author completely adopted his new country of residence and seems more British than regular Brits haha. I couldn't believe. Incredible writing prowess. But yes, he weaves in some interesting opinions regarding Second world war.
The way Ishiguro explores time and regret through Mr. Stevens is simply fascinating. Thank you for sharing! 📚✨
Yes, it was very well executed. Thanks!