Today we’re talking about The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro.

The Remains of the Day is a subtle, sad, humorous love story, and portrayal of a vanished way of life. It’s also a meditation on the high cost of duty and service. In the summer of 1956, Stevens, a man who has dedicated his life to becoming the perfect butler in the one-time great house of Darlington Hall, sets off on a holiday that will take him deep into the English countryside and, unexpectedly, into his own past; Specifically, his friendship with the housekeeper, Miss Kenton. Memories begin to surface of his lifetime “in service” to Lord Darlington, and of the years between the wars, when the fate of the continent seemed to lie in the hands of a few men. He finds himself confronting the dark undercurrent beneath the carefully run world of his employer as well as that of the life he could have had, but for a few key choices.

In This Episode We Mention

Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe

Can You Tell Me A Book You Would Also Like?

Erica: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Dennis: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (it’s on Hoopla, too)

Alan: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (also: Garden State)

Trevor: The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

Nerd Words for Word Nerds

Erica: Meniscus

Dennis: Aspire

Alan: Saturn Return

Trevor: Quid Pro Quo

Next time we’ll be talking about The Princess Bride by William Goldman. We’re looking forward to hearing what you think about it. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or email at [email protected].

Time to Read is a production of the Winnipeg Public Library. Our panel today included Alan Chorney, Dennis Penner, Erica Ball, and Trevor Lockhart. Kirsten Wurmann will return in a future episode. Our webmaster is Arryn Seburn. Show notes by Erica Ball. Our social media guru is Reegan Breu. Audio production and music by Dennis Penner.