Book: The Remains of the Day

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

This is my second book from Ishiguro and it feels totally different. This book is the opposite of the Buried Giant. There was mysticism, fantasy that pushed your senses, here the topic is so human, nothing fantastic at all.

But Ishiguro’s mastery at words is shown here even better. He’s best in building and describing his characters as if they were real. You see the whole thing in front of you as a projection. The whole film of one’s life is just played using words.

The story of William Stevens, one of the “last” remaining butlers in England is slowly grabbing your attention. Etiquette, politics and love. These would be the words to summarise this novel. And maybe a bit of poetry when describing the English small towns and villages. Of course Ishiguro is thoroughly perfecting his characters.

If you are under the impression you have already perfected yourself, you will never rise to the heights you are no doubt capable of.

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