The Remains of the Day

 
    Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day is one of the books I read during a modern British novel class. When I discovered that I was going to read a novel written by Japanese writer, I thought that the professor must have made a mistake. But I was wrong. Soon after I started reading this book, I was very touched.
    Mr. Stevens, the butler of Darlington Hall which is an established mansion in England, takes the first trip of his lifetime. He devoted his whole life to Darlington Hall without any enjoyment. During his journey, he came to realize that he has denied his affections for the housekeeper Miss Kenton. Also, he has maintained loyalty toward Lord Darlington and sacrificed his filial duty for his father. He gave up everything including his love, his family, and his youth. He finally realized that his whole life might be empty.
    We often waste good opportunities because of wrong choices that we make. The sad thing is that we cannot turn the clock back. A retired butler whom Mr. Stevens meet at the pier gives him a piece of advice: “You’ve got to enjoy yourself. The evening’s the best part of the day.”
    I want to recommend this book to all those who are left depressed due to an emptiness of life. Our lives must move forward. I quote Douglas Ivester’s saying, “Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.” Take one step further from a deadlock, then your life will be entirely different.

 

By   Son Dong-ju , Senior
Dept. of Commerce & Trade

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