Book review: The Remains of the Day

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By Kazuo Ishiguro

 Synopsis: A contemporary classic, The Remains of the Day is Kazuo Ishiguro's beautiful and haunting evocation of life between the wars in a Great English House.

 In the summer of 1956, Stevens, the ageing butler of Darlington Hall, embarks on a leisurely holiday that will take him deep into the English countryside and into his past.

 How did this book end up in my hands? My best friend is reading it with her book club in Italy and I thought I’d read along!

 Was it a page-turner? This is not a fast-paced novel as there is no mystery to solve but I found it so incredibly fascinating that I could hardly put it down.

 Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? I didn’t have any expectations as the synopsis didn’t reveal much so this book was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed every moment of it.

 Did I like the ending? [no spoilers] Yes. A sombre ending, very much in keeping with the general feeling of this novel.

 Three words to describe it. British. Humorous. Nostalgic.

 Do I like the cover? My Kindle only shows covers in a scale of greys so I can’t judge the colours of the cover but I do like it nonetheless. It’s simple, elegant and timeless, like this book.

 Have I read any other books by the same author? No. I have always wanted to but somehow never did. I am very happy to have read my first now and hopefully it will be followed by others soon.

 Will I be recommending this book? Definitely, yes, especially if you are intrigued by the era of the big, English countryside estates. Not much happens in the book and – at the same time – so much happens in the book. It’s a captivating read from start to finish and it will cause a discreet giggle to escape your lips more than once!

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