Review: The Remains of the Day

 

Kazuo Ishiguro. The Remains of the Day. Vintage International Edition, October 1993.

This is my first encounter with Ishiguro. I did not see the 1993 movie with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. After reading the book, I do not want to see the movie because the book cures me of any desire to see a movie somehow altering the storyline and the mood. The book is a true masterpiece. 

Mr. Stevens is a man who has already given most of his life as a butler in Lord Darlington’s Manor in England. Darlington is, as Stevens refers to him, a true gentleman. The house is now owned by an American who encourages Stevens to take some time off while he returns to America. Stevens reluctantly accepts the invitation. He “motors” through the country for several days with one of the owner’s cars to visit a former employee. Along the way, Stevens reflects on his admiration as well as bewilderment of Lord Darlington and his role in English history leading up to the second World War. Stevens also reflects on his understanding of the concepts of privacy, dignity, duty, and loyalty that shape his life. Stevens admits that despite his desire to place his faith in the wisdom and choices of Lord Darlington, he has significant doubts about where he lay his faith.  

Three of the saddest parts of the book are first, when Stevens chose to do his “duty” rather than be with his father in his final moments of life. Second, his failure, also because of “duty”, to pursue the opportunity of marriage with Ms. Kenton, now Mrs. Benn, not Mrs. Stevens. Third, when he realizes that he did not truly live up to his own ideal of dignity because of misplaced faith in Lord Darlington. “You see, I trusted. I trusted in his lordship’s wisdom. All those years I served him, I trusted I was doing something worthwhile. I can’t even say I made my own mistakes. Really – one has to ask oneself – what dignity is there in that?” (page 243)

We all make choices. When we evaluate our life choices years later, will we be content with our decisions? After his visit with Mrs. Benn, he spends time in Weymouth and has a conversation with a retiree on a bench. The man encourages Stevens to change his attitude and the direction that he is looking. Look forward instead of backwards, he says. “You’ve got to enjoy yourself. The evening’s the best part of the day. You’ve done your day’s work. Now you can put your feet up and enjoy it. That’s how I look at it. Ask anybody, they’ll tell you. The evening’s the best part of the day.” (page 244) 

Indeed. Mr. Stevens begins plans for the remains of his day, the remains of his life. So will anyone who reads this book.

 

 

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