This book was thought-provoking. It made me think about my own career. It caused me to think "not simply . . . how well one practised one's skills, but to what end one [does] so." In a number of ways, this is a sad book; but it is very well-written. ( )

After the mansion which Stevens is a butler of is sold to an American, Stevens recognizes many differences. From cultural discussions and manners to the way butlers handle a mansion. Smaller staff and the inability to complete meticulous work. Each difference in view or manner or understanding was given a very detailed and philosophical account to the how Stevens sees that particular topic. The topics include the term dignity and how a butler should respond to stresses at work.

The story is knitted by a road trip Stevens takes to potentially gain the services of Miss Kenton while the backstories take place during the reparation’s discussions after World War I. The paths taken by the lord of the house at the time Darlington, the butler Stevens, and the maid Miss Kenton are themed with regret and acceptance of what is. The book’s powerful message is that unspoken words carry great weight.
( )

I've been on a reading binge for the entire month of June, tearing through one book to immediately begin another. So I just finished reading The Remains of the Day, and I don't want to read anything else for awhile. I just want to sit and think about it, about what Ishiguro is telling us and how it relates to my life. I haven't been this affected by a book in years. 5 enthusiastic stars. ( )

It seems to be the assumption that females are more in touch with their emotions than males, and I suppose in the Yin and Yang of things, of which we all have our own unique blend, most emotions are generally attributed to Yin--so perhaps the ability to be aware of, and understand the cause of a feeling is more prevalent among ladies. But I disagree that being male is synonymous with being emotionally unintelligent. Be that as it may, our man, Stevens, the Butler of Darlington Hall, of whom this story revolves, *is* out of touch with his emotions. It's not that he hasn't any, but his priority is loyalty to his employer, as was his Father's before him, and to be the perfect Butler, Stevens strives for steady utilitarianism. So, for me, this is a psychological profile of someone so out of touch with his feelings as to be uncomfortable in any situation that warrants them and unwilling to display any--not even anxiety at being pressed for them. I'd say more but I may have given too much away already.
I don't recall much of the movie with Anthony Hopkins, but I do believe there is more to the 8 hour and 13 minute story than they were able to fit into it's 2 hours--so, if you don't recall being especially taken with the movie, I would advise not letting that be your sole guide in a decision of whether or not to read the book. ( )

A quiet, moving, and tragic portrayal of a man whose sole ambition was to serve a"great" man.
"If a butler is to be of any worth to anything or anybody in life, there must surely come a time when he ceases his search; a time when he must say to himself: 'This employer embodies all that I find noble and admirable. I will hereafter devote myself to serving him.' This is loyalty intelligently bestowed. What is there 'undignified in this? One is simply accepting an inescapable truth: that the likes of you and I will never be in a position to comprehend the great affairs of today's world, and our best course will always be to put our trust in an employer we judge to be wise and honorable and to devote our energies to the task of serving him to the best of our ability." (p. 175)
This service brought him a sense of "dignity ".
"as I stood there pondering the events of the evening-those that had unfolded and those still in the process of doing so-they appeared to me a sort of summary of all that I had come to achieve thus far in my life. I can see few other explanations for that sense of triumph I came to be uplifted by that night." p. 198
Unfortunately, this service also took away his opportunities for human warmth and connection. There are scenes from this book that I will never forget. We learn about this closed-off man through interactions with others. The reader assumes that Stevens has no capacity for introspection. During his road trip reflections and through his conversations along the way, the reader comes to ultimately believe that he has grown as a person.
"All those years I served him, 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?" p. 211
This short book has such depth. As one character notes: "Dignity isn't something every man and woman in this country can strive for and get." p. 163 ( )