Remains of the Day

A friend first mentioned Kazou Ishiguro to me about a year ago but it was only recently (after several more recommendations) that I picked him up. He wites beautifully and commands masterful control over his narrative. To quote a friend, "Even when absolutely nothing's happening in the story, it's still a pleasure to read."

Remains of the Day is told in the voice of a proper English butler on a "motoring holiday." In journal format he reflects on his profession and the qualities that make a great gentleman's gentleman. As he does, he shows us the predicament of his own psyche, a predicament of which even he is unaware.

Ishiguro delights in humanity and colors his characters with rich complexity. His themes (in what I've read of him) explore the tragedy of humans caught up in structures that threaten to dehumanize them. Remains of the Day criticizes the subtle caste system in British society.

A good read, engaging and thought provoking.