The Book Club Review 97. The Remains of the Day
Jun 5, 2021
Delve into Kazuo Ishiguro's 'The Remains of the Day,' focusing on the contemplative life of a butler reflecting on choices in 1950s England. Explore the protagonist's introspective journey through the picturesque countryside and the complexities of duty and regret. The discussion highlights varied perceptions from book club members about character depth and emotional resonance. Enjoy intriguing literary recommendations, including Ian McEwan's 'Amsterdam' and Paul Scott's 'Staying On,' while considering themes of friendship and societal change.
37:31
Duty Shapes A Life
- The Remains of the Day follows Stevens, a butler, reflecting on service, politics and a lost chance at personal connection.
- Ishiguro uses a road journey to surface memory, duty and the limits of selfhood.
Voice Is The Novel's Engine
- Listeners praised the assured, controlled prose as a major strength of the novel.
- The reading clip illustrates Stevens' precise, formal voice and the humour tucked into restrained narration.
Film Casting Warps Reading
- Laura admits she pictured Anthony Hopkins as Stevens despite never seeing the film, which affected her reading.
- That mental casting made it harder for her to form original impressions of the character.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
A Journey Through the English Countryside and the Art of Writing
04:20 • 3min
Navigating Ishiguro's Nuances
07:38 • 6min
Navigating Literary Complexities
13:32 • 20min
Exploring Friendship and Regret in Literary Recommendations
33:37 • 2min
Exploring Book Recommendations and Upcoming Discussions
35:21 • 2min
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On Chesil Beach
Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan's 'On Chesil Beach' tells the story of Florence and Edward, a young couple on their honeymoon in 1962 England.
Set against the backdrop of their wedding night on Chesil Beach, the novella explores their anxieties and miscommunications about intimacy.
The story delves into their backgrounds and expectations, revealing the societal pressures and personal insecurities that contribute to their marital struggles.
As they confront their fears, a pivotal moment leads to a tragic separation that shapes the rest of their lives.
'On Chesil Beach' is a poignant exploration of love, misunderstanding, and the lasting impact of unspoken desires.
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Staying On
Paul Scott
#4909
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Never Let Me Go
Kazuo Ishiguro
The novel is set in a dystopian England where cloning technology allows for the mass production of organ donors.
The story is narrated by Kathy, a clone who works as a 'carer' for other donors.
Kathy reflects on her upbringing at Hailsham, a boarding school for clones, and her relationships with her friends Ruth and Tommy.
As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the grim reality of the clones' existence: they are raised to donate their organs until they 'complete' (die).
The book explores themes of identity, humanity, and the moral implications of scientific advancements, raising questions about the treatment of the vulnerable and the nature of human existence.
#2303
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Klara and the Sun
Kazuo Ishiguro
Set in a dystopian future, 'Klara and the Sun' follows the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) who is purchased by a mother for her ailing daughter, Josie.
Klara, powered by solar energy, develops a deep bond with Josie and becomes obsessed with the Sun, which she believes has the power to save Josie's life.
The novel delves into themes of loneliness, the nature of consciousness, and the societal implications of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.
Through Klara's observations and interactions, the book explores the human condition and the complexities of love, faith, and sacrifice in a world marked by social inequality and technological advancements.
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The Raj Quartet
Paul Scott
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Amsterdam
Russell Shorto
In 'Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City', Russell Shorto explores the city's unique history, from its origins as a small fishing village to its rise as a major trading port and center of cultural and economic liberalism.
The book delves into Amsterdam's role in fostering political and economic freedom, its Golden Age, and its enduring legacy as a beacon of tolerance and innovation.
#19264
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Unconsoled
Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro's *The Unconsoled* is a unique novel characterized by its dreamlike atmosphere and fragmented narrative.
The story follows Ryder, a concert pianist who finds himself in an unfamiliar city, encountering a series of enigmatic characters and surreal events.
The novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the nature of reality.
Ishiguro's masterful use of language and imagery creates a sense of unease and disorientation, leaving the reader questioning the boundaries between dream and reality.
The novel's unconventional structure and ambiguous ending invite multiple interpretations.
#2150
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
To the Lighthouse
Virginia Woolf
To the Lighthouse, published in 1927, is a groundbreaking work of modernist literature by Virginia Woolf.
The novel is divided into three sections: 'The Window,' 'Time Passes,' and 'The Lighthouse.
' It follows the Ramsay family during their summer visits to the Isle of Skye, delving into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters through stream-of-consciousness techniques.
The novel reflects the impact of World War I on the family and society, and it explores themes such as loss, subjectivity, the nature of art, and the problem of perception.
Woolf's intricate prose and rich exploration of consciousness make this novel a masterpiece of world literature.
#2594
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
The Remains of the Day
Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day is a novel told through the first-person narration of Stevens, a long-serving butler at Darlington Hall.
In the summer of 1956, Stevens embarks on a six-day motoring trip through the West Country, which becomes a journey into his past.
The novel explores Stevens' memories of his service during and after World War II, his relationship with the former housekeeper Miss Kenton, and the decline of the English aristocracy.
It delves into themes of regret, repression, and the consequences of dedicating one's life to professional duty at the expense of personal happiness.
The story is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the reliability of memory, and the human cost of maintaining a rigid professional persona.
#1941
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
The Midnight Library follows Nora Seed, a 35-year-old woman who feels trapped in a life filled with regret and disappointment.
After a series of devastating events, she attempts to end her life but instead finds herself in the Midnight Library, a limbo between life and death.
Here, guided by her childhood librarian Mrs. Elm, Nora can explore countless versions of her life by entering books that represent different paths she could have taken.
As she navigates these alternate lives, Nora must confront her regrets, understand the complexities of choice, and discover what truly makes a life worth living.
The novel delves into themes of regret, the meaning of life, and the importance of living in the present.
#2158
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Mrs. Dalloway
Virginia Woolf
Published in 1925, 'Mrs.
Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf explores the lives of its characters over a single day in post-World War I London.
The novel centers around Clarissa Dalloway, an upper-class housewife, as she prepares to host a party.
Her day is punctuated by a visit from Peter Walsh, an old suitor, and her reflections on her past choices.
The narrative also follows Septimus Warren Smith, a veteran struggling with shell shock and mental illness, whose story parallels and contrasts with Clarissa's.
The novel delves into themes of time, identity, social class, and the psychological impacts of war.
Woolf's stream-of-consciousness style provides a deep insight into the characters' inner lives, highlighting the complexities of human experience and the societal norms of the time.
Join us as we discuss The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. It's a modern classic, 1989 Booker Prize winner and the author is also the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature but none of this led Laura to hold back, calling it 'dull' and incredibly slow reading. But, of course, hers is not the only voice, so listen in to find out what Kate thought, and what Laura's book club thought. We've also got some book recommendations for your next book club read.
Booklist
Mrs Dalloway and To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Amsterdam and On Chesil Beach by Ian McKewan
Staying On by Paul Scott.
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