Remains of the day

About the book

Book author: Kazuo Ishiguro

The book takes place in 1920-1950’s England. It follows a butler, Mr. Stevens, as he reminisces about his past life as the butler of Lord Darlington and the corresponding Darlington Hall while he travels the countryside. He went on this trip because he had received a letter from a former staff member, Miss Kenton, and this sets in motion a lot of thoughts.

In this fictional story, Lord Darlington’s hall was the center of several key meetings for Europe’s power elite after WWI. Darlington had fought in it and had no wish to punish the Germans so severely. To do this he corresponded with French and other world elite leveraging his powerful connections. Mr. Stephens faithfully made all these meetings happen without error.

Whereas Stephens can only be described as the most hardcore butler of all time, he could not do this endeavour alone. He had his father, who served as his main inspiration of being the best butler possible, and Miss Kenton, a very productive and dependable coworker.

The hardcore butlering to save Europe came at great cost for Stephens personal life. He did it with unshakeable loyalty and sacrificed much for the sake of Europe. But was it a waste? Was his loyalty placed to the right man? As with other Kazuo books, the real story is between the lines.

Reflection and takeaways

* Spoiler warning *

I am impressed by and philosophically intrigued by Stevens’ sense of duty. He went to such lengths to be the best butler, all for “dignity”. To keep on working when his father was dying.. to not pursue his love interest with Miss Kenton. I felt upset and almost wanted to scream at him when reading the book.

I feel at my best when I am in service of others, but I am not hardcore enough like Stevens. Stevens is the Miyamoto Musashi of butlers. I’ve always admired people who can lock down and commit the fullest into whatever they do. Personally, I’m curious about too much and find that level of discipline tricky.

As an IT specialist, there certainly are times where you can have professional “dignity”. I have refused shady money to do legit things in the past. I have also refused legit money to do shady things. I have refused money and employment when I did not personally believe in the project, but could keep staying on the payroll for a long time and do very little. Sometimes, the financial irrationality in these decisions haunt me and I sometimes get attacked by others for it, but I always remind myself of my “dignity”, and I find a lot of strength in that. I sleep like a baby, although a slightly poorer one than I could have been.

The book fittingly ends with remembering that the past cannot change, and you should look forward. Stevens meets a stranger that tells him that “The evening is the best part of the day.” It’s a good mantra for life, and also hints of the book title, “The Remains of the Day”.

Why did I pick it

Impressed with Kazuo’s book Klara and the Sun, I enjoyed this one too. I love Kazuo’s writing style. I saw other reviews of this book and I was not disappointed this time either.

Verdict

4.²⁵⁄₅. Loved the writing, the setting and the story.