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Literary Fiction· United Kingdom

The Remains of the Day

by Kazuo Ishiguro
Aggregate Editorial Score100/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize★National Book Award
Published 1989English
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About This Book

Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day (1989) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Stevens, an aging English butler, takes a motoring trip through the West Country and reflects on a lifetime of professional dignity and the opportunities for love and happiness he has forgone. Ishiguro's Booker Prize-winning novel is a masterwork of understatement—a devastating meditation on repression, regret, and what it means to have lived well. Themes of duty, regret, dignity run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1989 and Booker Prize 1989.

Book Details

AuthorKazuo Ishiguro
Published1989
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780679731726
Editorial Score100/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1989, Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with duty, regret, dignity, England gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1989; Booker Prize 1989; National Book Award 1989. Its aggregate editorial score of 100/100 reflects recognition from 4 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of The Remains of the Day lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of duty, regret, dignity, England is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Kazuo Ishiguro occupies a significant position. The Remains of the Day is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 4 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
198963
Booker Prize
winner · global
198963
National Book Award
winner · national
198950
Goodreads Choice Award
notable · global
198913
✍️
About the Author
Kazuo Ishiguro
United Kingdom
View Author →

Kazuo Ishiguro is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Remains of the Day about?

Stevens, an aging English butler, takes a motoring trip through the West Country and reflects on a lifetime of professional dignity and the opportunities for love and happiness he has forgone. Ishiguro's Booker Prize-winning novel is a masterwork of understatement—a devastating meditation on repression, regret, and what it means to have lived well.

Who wrote The Remains of the Day?

The Remains of the Day was written by Kazuo Ishiguro, from United Kingdom. First published in 1989.

What awards has The Remains of the Day won?

The Remains of the Day has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1989; Booker Prize 1989; National Book Award 1989; Goodreads Choice Award 1989.

Is The Remains of the Day worth reading?

The Remains of the Day is one of the most critically acclaimed books ever written, with an aggregate editorial score of 100/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 4 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in duty, regret, dignity.

Where can I buy The Remains of the Day?

You can buy The Remains of the Day on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Remains of the Day?

The Remains of the Day is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Remains of the Day from?

The Remains of the Day originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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