2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Pages: 258 pages

Length: 1 Month (May)

Participants: SarahKat, Lorraine, Saha.

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.

Happy Buddy Reading!

Oh, man! I have at least 7 other books I've committed to read in May, but I got a copy of this months ago and planned to read it this year. If I can squeeze it in, I would like to join you!

I started reading this last night just before bed. I enjoy the gentle prose.

Yay Lynn, you already squeezed it in!

I'm waiting for the library hold to come through. I've really enjoyed all of Kazuo Ishiguro's books that I've read so I'm looking forward to this one.

SarahKat wrote: "Yay Lynn, you already squeezed it in!

I'm waiting for the library hold to come through. I've really enjoyed all of Kazuo Ishiguro's books that I've read so I'm looking forward to this one."
This is my first! *Squee!* Fingers crossed that I enjoy it all the way through!

Page 19: I am enjoying Stevens’ thoughts regarding the conundrum of his reticence to engage in “bantering” with his “employer.” So prim and proper! I can only assume this is an accurate reflection of both the time, 1956 (the year I was born), as well as ‘proper’ English societal customs. Very humorous to me!

Lynn wrote: "I started reading this last night just before bed. I enjoy the gentle prose."

I agree with you. I love the way this book is written. And the fact that Steven seems to have all his time. It makes me want to slow down.

I am ready to begin the DAY TWO-AFTERNOON section (page 119 in paperback edition) and am (view spoiler)[appalled that a father has allowed his son to become 23 years old without ever discussing "the birds and the bees" with him! Though I guess I shouldn't be. I have three sons and my ex-husband, their biological father, simply refused to discuss anything about sex with them. So I did it. Unbelievable, IMO!

Then for Darlington to palm that agreed-upon responsibility off to Stevens! OMG! How the hell could you do that?!? LOL I laugh just trying to imagine it! And then when he finally discusses nature with the poor man after nearly scaring him to death by jumping out into his path directly in front of him! That was quite humorous! And yet believable!

Then we have Stevens' father's death. I couldn't imagine calling your father "Father" when you speak to him as if in the third person. Weird. I gather their relationship was certainly not super close, or perhaps that's just the way both men were toward each other. And to have all that pressure to perform your job while your father is lying upstairs dying...no wonder several people asked if he was okay as he was serving them... (hide spoiler)]

Ready to begin DAY THREE-MORNING and was struck by Stevens' musings regarding societal classifications of potential employers for Butlers. (view spoiler)[I found his emphasis on morality/ethics to be truly idealistic...unfortunately. I feel as if our society (at least in the US) very much still assigns respect and power based upon financial holdings/net worth. I wish it wasn't so, but I feel as if it is very much entrenched in our culture.

I had to chuckle at the fact that a Butler would deny having worked with prior employers simply to avoid being interrogated for sordid details about that employer and his life. (Yes, "his," because it's not as if females were granted power... A few perhaps, but not many.) That would be an aspect to consider, I guess. I personally feel as if "gossip" is very dangerous and hurtful, no matter how innocent we feel it is...it has great potential to harm, IMO. (hide spoiler)]

Looking to finish this one today. Kinda hate to see it done since I am finding it to be truly delightful thus far. Anxious for the interactions between Stevens and 'Miss Kenton'!

Page 222 about halfway through DAY FOUR-AFTERNOON and (view spoiler)[have been wondering off and on about Miss Kenton and Mr. Stevens' meeting... She hasn't replied to him suggesting she doesn't want to meet with him, nor has she left a note at his hotel, so he assumes she wants to meet with him... I keep wondering if they will end up together as a couple?

And the overnight stay in a house in the country the night before was quite interesting. The discussion of democracy and everyone being able to vote, with regard to the ability of the 'common man' (my term) being educated and/or intellectual enough to know about the bigger issues, etc. Of course, Stevens is unconvinced democracy is the way to go and agrees the elites should make the decisions, etc. Ugh... My democratic soul winced. 😋 (hide spoiler)]
So anxious to see how this ends...

Ah, well, that was quite an enjoyable read with a bit of philosophical conundrums included...
My thoughts: (view spoiler)[Was Stevens as cold-hearted as he appeared to be simply due to upbringing and the conventions of his societal role? Or...was he underneath it all a softie but lacking courage to engage Miss Kenton as anything other than an employee/supervisee? I guess we will never know and that is Ishiguro's point...an aspect of this book that each reader must decide for themselves.

I think it was a combination of 'nature' and 'nurture'! His father was obviously very stoic in his relationship with his son. I don't recall that we ever learn anything about Stevens' mother, but perhaps I am forgetting... So I feel that it is very much his genetic heritage to be very stoic, plus he seems determined to be one of the "great" butlers, according to the "Hayes Society"! And that requires absolute stoicism! So there is also the 'nurture' portion at play in his life as well.

Knowing that Lord Darlington eventually became known as a Nazi sympathizer or at least close to that, is scary, IMO! I don't believe I could be as accepting of it all as was Stevens. But the whole world had been duped to a great degree by Hitler and all his puppets, so Darlington's role as a victim of manipulation was no surprise, IMO! Just one more among the millions! (hide spoiler)]

Now I am anxious to read more of Ishiguro!

Looking forward to others' comments!

Lynn wrote: "Ah, well, that was quite an enjoyable read with a bit of philosophical conundrums included...
My thoughts: Was Stevens as cold-hearted as he appeared to be simply due to upbringing and the conventi..."

I find your comments on the dot! Like you I was (view spoiler)[ surprised by Lord Darlington request to Stephen that he discuss ‘the birds and the bees’ with his friend son. But I am also reading The Help by Kathrynn Stockett, and it seems that the maids were often ask to take that responsibility too. So maybe it is something that was expected in those days.
As for Steven, I have mixed feeling. One part of me thinks like you that he was raised to be cold and rational. Seems that this is the main quality of a great butler. But another part of me also thinks it is his personality. That he is a bit obsessional but also a bit ‘sadistic’ and that he wants to be right all the time. The story he tells about teasing Miss Kenton after she threatened to leave the house because they fired 2 Jewish maids was troubling. He goes on and on teasing her…well he said it was teasing but after a year of teasing… it looks more to me like he wanted to ‘humiliate her than teasing her. Who likes someone who would tell you for one year ‘I told you so!’ (hide spoiler)]
In the end, I loved this book very much and also want to read more by this author. I am actually looking at reading Never let me go in June. Has anyone read that one?

Lorraine wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Ah, well, that was quite an enjoyable read with a bit of philosophical conundrums included...
My thoughts: Was Stevens as cold-hearted as he appeared to be simply due to upbringing and...

I find your comments on the dot! Like you I was (view spoiler)
In the end, I loved this book very much and also want to read more by this author. I am actually looking at reading Never let me go in June. Has anyone read that one?"

I have not read that one. I do own a copy of The Buried Giant so that will be the next one I tackle, but not sure when.

I finally started this! I'll catch up with the first few comments tomorrow I think.

Lynn, I loved The Buried Giant! Let me know when you start it, I might read with you. I kind of want to re-read that one with my son.

SarahKat wrote: "I finally started this! I'll catch up with the first few comments tomorrow I think.

Lynn, I loved The Buried Giant! Let me know when you start it, I might read with you. I kind of want to re-read ..."

We could do a buddy read! Next month's reading schedule is already kinda full for me. What month would work for you? Or if you don't want to schedule a BR, we don't have to... I just find it encourages me to read that book if I know others are reading with me! 😊

Lorraine wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Ah, well, that was quite an enjoyable read with a bit of philosophical conundrums included...
My thoughts: Was Stevens as cold-hearted as he appeared to be simply due to upbringing and..."
(view spoiler)[I agree about the "teasing" of Miss Kenton for over a year... I kinda felt this was more proof of Stevens' inability to interact socially. I laughed and laughed at his quandary concerning "banter"! (hide spoiler)]

Lynn wrote: "SarahKat wrote: "We could do a buddy read! Next month's reading schedule is already kinda full for me. What month would work for you? Or if you don't want to schedule a BR, we don't have to... I just find it encourages me to read that book if I know others are reading with me! 😊
"

July or August would work for me Lynn! I read to my kid more during the summer when he hangs out at work with me.

I am behind in my self (and library due date)-imposed minimum pages per day for this book. I'm in the middle of a really long chapter. I like how it's written, but I am just having the worst time concentrating on anything recently.

SarahKat wrote: "Lynn wrote: "SarahKat wrote: "We could do a buddy read! Next month's reading schedule is already kinda full for me. What month would work for you? Or if you don't want to schedule a BR, we don't ha...

July or August would work for me Lynn! I read to my kid more during the summer when he hangs out at work with me.

I am behind in my self (and library due date)-imposed minimum pages per day for this book. I'm in the middle of a really long chapter. I like how it's written, but I am just having the worst time concentrating on anything recently."

I will leave it up to you to decide, SarahKat! You are obviously much busier than me and can best determine what will work with your schedule. Just let me know!

Let's do July. I don't have any buddy reads that month yet so it should work.

I'll add it to the sign-up thread and excel sheet

SarahKat wrote: "Let's do July. I don't have any buddy reads that month yet so it should work.

I'll add it to the sign-up thread and excel sheet"
Great!

Lorraine, I just now saw your comment about Never Let Me Go. I've been just skimming this thread on my phone sometimes and my phone doesn't hide spoilers so I have to be careful not to read everything! I have read it and I really enjoyed it! I think that was the first thing I read by him. It's a different genre (unless something super weird happens in this one) but honestly Ishiguro's writing and storytelling abilities haven't let me down yet.

Finally got caught up (not with you but with myself), and am about read to start DAY TWO- AFTERNOON. So I have "unlocked" Lynn's first spoilery comment!

(view spoiler)[I thought it was crazy the 23-year-old didn't know anything about sex. I mean, nowadays, even if the parents don't discuss it, it's everywhere. My son is 10 and he picks up a ridiculous amount of (often erroneous) information at school from kids with older siblings. I realize it was much different back then but it was interesting to see it in this way. "Oh no my son is about to get married and he won't know where anything goes!" (paraphrased).

Stevens dad dying was pretty sad. You'd have to be a special sort of person to continue on with your duties rather than sit with your dying father. He was like obstinately ignorant of his father's condition when he went up there and he just kept saying "I'm glad you're feeling better," when it was obvious to me that the old man could see death coming.

That whole section seemed like a commentary on society. Like, if you have an okay job, they'll give you 3 whole days off to mourn a parent, husband, grandparent, etc. 3 days and then you're expected to be back at work performing as if part of your world hasn't just disappeared. Ishiguro was born in Japan, which I guess is more of a collectivistic society. Entire generations of families live together or close by. It's more about society. Whereas western cultures are more individualistic. Look out for number one, treat yo-self, self-care, don't do anything that makes you unhappy. So I wonder if this was pretty large in his mind having moved from Japan to England in his twenties. (hide spoiler)]

Lynn, my mother was born in 1956 as well! And I was born in 1989 (the year this book was published!)

I just stopped to say that I'm a huge fan of Kazuo Ishiguro!
Actually, I saw the film first and it remains one of my all-time favorite movies.
I only read the book later. In the case of Never Let Me Go, a friend and i read the book first, then went to the cinema to watch the film together. The film wasn't as enjoyable as the book, imho.
But Remains of the Day is not only a fantastic read but also an extremely memorable film.

SarahKat wrote: "Lorraine, I just now saw your comment about Never Let Me Go. I've been just skimming this thread on my phone sometimes and my phone doesn't hide spoilers so I have to be careful not to read everything! I have read it and I really enjoyed it! I think that was the first thing I read by him. It's a different genre (unless something super weird happens in this one) but honestly Ishiguro's writing and storytelling abilities haven't let me down yet."
I am preparing to order a copy of Never Let Me Go and Klara and the Sun. I already have a copy of A Pale View of Hills ordered. You and I are buddy reading The Buried Giant in July. I really enjoyed Ishiguro! :)

Finally got caught up (not with you but with myself), and am about read to start DAY TWO- AFTERNOON. So I have "unlocked" Lynn's first spoilery comment!
I really enjoy your paraphrasing! :) (view spoiler)[I would say Stevens' interpersonal skills were definitely lacking. At least regarding intimate/close relationships.

According to Wikipedia Ishiguro moved to Britain in 1960 at the age of 5, so he didn't have much familiarity with Japanese culture unless he studied it somewhat, I would imagine. Though your analogy does open up my insight a bit more. Since you pointed it out, I can understand Stevens' behaviors as a collectivist attitude rather than just his own personal 'professional standard'.

I felt very sorry for Stevens in the end. I don't believe he knew the first thing about interpersonal relationships and therefore, would never experience true friendship nor anything more intimate. What a life! Ugh. (hide spoiler)]

Lynn, my mother was born in 1956 as well! And I was born in 1989 (the year this book was published!)

Wow! Those are two super-coincidences! Your mother must be a wonderful person since we share a birth year! LOL And you are so young! LOL

oshizu wrote: "I just stopped to say that I'm a huge fan of Kazuo Ishiguro!
Actually, I saw the film first and it remains one of my all-time favorite movies.
I only read the book later. In the case of Never Let M..."
Okay. I located the movie on Pluto TV for free. Am watching now...

OMG! Christopher Reeve! What a loss to acting... I always thought he was cool!

Lynn wrote: "SarahKat wrote: "According to Wikipedia Ishiguro moved to Britain in 1960 at the age of 5, so he didn't have much familiarity with Japanese culture unless he studied it somewhat, I would imagine."

Ah I thought I saw the 70's somewhere meaning he would have been a teenager.

I know this is a super-serious and high-brow discussion.
But I cannot resist sharing a video of one of my favorite butlers doing a Risky Business thing.
And he's also British! (erm, that's the connection to your book)
It's from a 1995 episode, so you cosmic sisters would have been...6 years old?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNXcS...

And sorry! I will not pester you all again. *slinks away

oshizu wrote: "I know this is a super-serious and high-brow discussion.
But I cannot resist sharing a video of one of my favorite butlers doing a Risky Business thing.
And he's also British! (erm, that's the conn..."

Ahahahah that is very good. Just thought we should look at the original…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2UVs...

I was 23 at the time. Three years older than Tom…Ahahah

Lorraine,
Thank you for posting the original! Tom was so cute at that age!
I wasn't sure how much idiocy from me y'all would put up with, before you all decided to ban me from your discussion.

oshizu wrote: "I know this is a super-serious and high-brow discussion.
But I cannot resist sharing a video of one of my favorite butlers doing a Risky Business thing.
And he's also British! (erm, that's the conn..."
Oh, my! I had forgotten about Niles on The Nanny! Oh, yeah, and definitely "super-serious" and "high-brow" here! (There were no rippling muscles! LOL)

Lorraine wrote: "oshizu wrote: "I know this is a super-serious and high-brow discussion.
But I cannot resist sharing a video of one of my favorite butlers doing a Risky Business thing.
And he's also British! (erm, ..."
I remember that! My sons loved Risky Business!

I feel very young. I have seen the Risky Business dance scene, but I don't believe I've ever watched the movie. I have also never watched The Nanny. 😖 My parents did not educate me in the ways of 80's cinema AT ALL. It was left to my first husband to introduce me to things like Terminator, Ghostbusters, and Batman. It's honestly a travesty.

Also, I really enjoyed this book but I feel like I will appreciate it more with age. I've been in a bit of a mental slump the last few weeks and have found myself not enjoying the books I've been reading as much as I think they deserve.

I agree with Lynn (I think it was?) that Stevens personality is very much nature AND nurture. I totally understand the banter thing as well. In regards to him "teasing" Miss Kenton, (view spoiler)[I feel like he finally felt comfortable enough to tease her, but because he isn't used to how that is supposed to work, he took it too far and made it about an unfunny subject and held on to the "joke" way too long. I know people like this. It's quite off-putting. (hide spoiler)]

I have to think more about Stevens. I can't decide if he's strong or weak. (view spoiler)[I think he's having... not regrets, but wonderings... about how his life could have turned out had he made other choices. But I think it takes a lot to stay in a position such as this with a master with iffy allegiances while still being able to remain poised, proud, and professional through that, his father's death, and his own feelings. Not sure that's a good thing though! Does it show strength of character or lack of same? (hide spoiler)]

SarahKat wrote: "I feel very young. I have seen the Risky Business dance scene, but I don't believe I've ever watched the movie. I have also never watched The Nanny. 😖 My parents did not educate me in the ways of 8..."

You sound like a very wise person even though you are young. Feeling young while you are young is a good thing. Enjoy it! I kind of agree with you that this book will become better as you aged. I am not sure how very young people can relate to this story. But that being said, the movie was just great.

I am also not enjoying the books I am reading as much as I thought I would. Reading about your slump makes me wonder why ? Is it because too many classics at the same time ? Too many long books? Not enough books in the genre you like? Or just life’s happening? I wonder..

SarahKat wrote: "I feel very young. I have seen the Risky Business dance scene, but I don't believe I've ever watched the movie. I have also never watched The Nanny. 😖 My parents did not educate me in the ways of 8..."
Well, at least you did catch up somewhat! LOL

Here's to no more 'slump'! Rather an upright attention-like stance! LOL

Regarding your spoilers: (view spoiler)[I felt Stevens' inability to realize he was not truly "teasing" after a while to further prove his inability to communicate effectively. Lack of socialization...and perhaps some genetic propensities thrown in there. :)

I really appreciate your thoughts about Stevens. I have similar discussions with myself on occasion regarding people's ability to keep doing the same thing in the same place and the same way forever. I am a much more restless sole. So while I have managed to work 12+ years in two different institutions, I did not stay in the same position for all those years... I have always felt the need (not just desire!) to make changes throughout my working-outside-the-home adult years. I eventually feel stagnated and realize I need a different environment and people for whatever reasons. Then I look at some of my coworkers who will literally work 30-50 years in the exact same position and oscillate between admiring them for that and pitying them for never needing change. :) I kinda feel the same way with regard to Stevens. (hide spoiler)]

Lorraine wrote: "SarahKat wrote: "I feel very young. I have seen the Risky Business dance scene, but I don't believe I've ever watched the movie. I have also never watched The Nanny. 😖 My parents did not educate me...

I am also not enjoying the books I am reading as much as I thought I would. Reading about your slump makes me wonder why ? Is it because too many classics at the same time ? Too many long books? Not enough books in the genre you like? Or just life’s happening? I wonder..
"

I agree about someone with more life experience probably enjoying this book more so than a young person might. Though you never know...

As I've aged (I'm in my mid-60s) I have discovered that it is best if I have 3-4 books going at the same time. Not only that, but it is much better if they are very different from one another. For example, one nonfiction, one literary/general fiction, one SFF, one mystery. Then I can switch back and forth as the mood strikes. At least that has worked for me...

Lorraine, I don't know about "wise" but people have always told me I'm an "old soul." I know my knees and back would agree.

Lynn, I agree with your last spoiler comment! I worked at a place for 8 years (same position for about 6 of those). I don't like change, but I also didn't like the way management would treat us peons so I would occasionally "fight my case" or get somewhat upset about things. I liked what I did but not the hierarchy crap. But there were people, like you said, who had been there for like 30 plus years! And I kept thinking that's a whole lot of bullshit to up with for that long. I went back and forth thinking, you're amazing for putting up with that! Or... do you even have any sort of personality or personal set of ethics?

As far as my slump, I think it's mostly life stuff. I get a bit down when the weather starts turning to summer. I also always have a bunch of books going at once and I usually have at least one I'm excited to pick up every day! I think I'm enjoying a few of my current books more than anything this past month so that's good.

SarahKat wrote: "I went back and forth thinking, you're amazing for putting up with that! Or... do you even have any sort of personality or personal set of ethics?"

I worked for one institution that was so ethically and morally corrupt that it was abominable! I didn't truly realize until I reached middle-management and then you get all the shit rolling both ways! It's unbelievable and there are those people who can recognize these situations for what they are and just ignore it and keep right on going. Then there are those who simply refuse to recognize anything is wrong. Then there are those who just have to get the eff out of there or start choking people! LOL I was in that last group... Shocking, I know! LOL