The Remains of the Day (Hardcover)

Author Kazuo Ishiguro · Publisher Minumsa · Publication Date 2021-04-09 · ISBN 9788937444357

About the Book

A "sad self-portrait of modern man" depicted against the backdrop of an English manor in the 1930s.

The Remains of the Day is the work that brought the author serious literary acclaim, earning praise such as: "This portrait, which convincingly unravels a man's life as if seen before one's eyes, is a blend of originality, humor, and absurdity, ultimately delivering profound emotion" (The Sunday Times), and "The way it pierces humanity, class, and culture is almost magical" (The New York Times Book Review).

The novel intricately weaves between the present, as Stevens, a butler who has spent his entire life in a prominent English manor, embarks on his first journey, and his systematic recollections of his past life there. Throughout his journey, Stevens speaks of his conviction regarding "the great butler." He asserts that a great butler must possess absolute trust, obedience, and devotion to his master, and he recounts the story of Darlington Hall, the finest estate in England to which he has dedicated himself, and its owner, Lord Darlington.

However, it is revealed that the master whom Stevens had served with blind faith, even sacrificing his personal life, met a tragic end after being exploited by the Nazis because he was "not only benevolent and honorable but also blind to reality." Feeling a sense of emptiness and loss, Stevens nevertheless tries to justify his past by continually asserting his professional ethos of having done his best as a butler.

Stevens, who lacked reflection on the dignity of a human being that should have been respected before the dignity of a butler, ultimately "assisted evil and was exploited by it by diligently repeating his daily routines." This relationship between Stevens and Lord Darlington is not limited to the past history of England; it may be a point that makes us ponder our own persistent attachment to absolute values even today.

This work, while telling a story set in the very limited space of Darlington Hall, also dramatically portrays the turbulent period of England and world affairs between World War I and World War II through the eyes of the many politicians who visit the estate. It also clearly illustrates the absurdity of being bound by anachronistic values in an era of change, as the antiquated mindset of the British Empire transitions to an American realistic foundation. The craftsmanship that Stevens stubbornly sought to maintain is symbolized as a "remainder of an era," too rigid to embrace new changes.

What's even more intriguing is the part at the end of the work where Stevens, now old enough to leisurely embrace his twilight years, resolves to dedicate himself anew to his new master.
He has realized the preciousness of what he missed in his youth, but he also knows that it is too late to deny his entire life and embark on a new path. Thus, he has no choice but to return to his absurd and contradictory daily life rather than choosing change.

In this respect, Stevens's life might be a sad self-portrait of modern man. "Very pleasant, yet the saddest book I can remember" (Doris Lessing), "A masterpiece that depicts both beauty and poignancy" (Salman Rushdie), "A surprising work in terms of story, style, and quality" (Maxine Hong Kingston) are just some of the praises authors have showered upon this work.

Love realized in twilight,
and a missed connection

The Remains of the Day, which won the Booker Prize in 1989, was adapted into a film by director James Ivory in 1993. British actors Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson played Stevens and Miss Kenton, and the story of love realized in the twilight years once again became a hot topic.

Stevens's journey was prompted not only by the new owner's suggestion but also by another purpose. He intended to meet Miss Kenton, who had worked with him as a housekeeper during Darlington Hall's glorious days long ago. Upon receiving a sudden letter from her, who is still "Miss" Kenton to him, he comes to believe that she wishes to return to Darlington Hall and is waiting for him to offer her such a proposal.

Throughout his six-day journey, Stevens recites each line of the letter he received from her, who was so special to him, reminiscing about the past. Miss Kenton actively approached Stevens, and although Stevens also harbored personal feelings for her, he deliberately ignored his heart to remain faithful to his profession as a butler. Ultimately, she failed to win his heart, leading her to marry another man.

Now, twenty years later, his seeking her out to propose working together again is merely his way of life—concealing his own emotions and putting public duty first. However, now in his twilight years, he acutely realizes that he truly loved her during the short time they worked together during Darlington Hall's heyday. Yet, even when they reunited, he kept the words he truly wanted to say buried in his heart, letting her go once more.

Through Stevens, who firmly built his own fortress by ignoring love to devote himself to his profession in his youth, and who, though heartbroken by this realization in his twilight years, must accept the reality that has changed as much as time has passed, readers may experience the lingering fever of past love.

Table of Contents

Prologue: July 1956, Darlington Hall 9
First Evening, Salisbury 38
Second Morning, Salisbury 74
Second Afternoon, Mortimer's Pond, Dorset 178
Third Morning, Taunton, Somerset 200
Third Evening, Moscombe, near Tavistock, Devon 220
Fourth Afternoon, Little Compton, Cornwall 313
Sixth Evening, Weymouth 351
Commentary 377