The Remains Of The Day By Kazuo Ishiguro

ISBN: 978-0571225385

Published By: Faber and Faber

It has taken me some time to read this book, not because I was distracted, but because I was savouring it. 

The story follows Mr Stevens, a traditional english butler of a large manor house, Darlington Hall. Mr Stevens drives from Darlington Hall through the English countryside on a motoring holiday to meet Miss Kenton, who used to be the housekeeper at the hall many years ago.

As we travel with Mr Stevens we learn, through a series of flashbacks, about his life at Darlington Hall, his relationship with his employer and also Miss Kenton. Mr Stevens spends much of the time mulling over what makes a "great butler", and comes to the conclusion that dignity is important. His obsession with dignity means that he misses the opportunity to develop his relationship with Miss Kenton and recognise the affection in which he is held by those around him.

A parallel story sees Lord Darlington trying to bring together leading figures in Europe to help stabilise the political landscape after the war. His Lordship's passion for fairness and peace sweeps his butler up leaving Stevens proud of his small part he played in these grand gatherings and again blinding him to the emotions of others.

This read is poignant and speaks volumes about missed opportunities and regret. The characters feel real and in amongst all the reminiscences there are some wonderful lines. I particularly liked Stevens' attempts at banter. English butlers and witty banter don't really go well together.

I don't say this lightly, but this has to be one of the best books I have ever read. Get yourself a copy, and read it slowly, make it last, as you will only have one opportunity to read it for the first time.