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TL;DR: In 1956, Stevens, an aging English butler, takes a rare road trip to visit a former housekeeper, Miss Kenton. Along the way, he recalls his years serving Lord Darlington, a nobleman who sympathized with the Nazis. Slowly, Stevens reveals the cost of his devotion to duty: a wasted life and a lost love.
Table of Contents
The Remains of the Day at a Glance
| Author | Kazuo Ishiguro |
| First published | 1989 |
| Type | Novel |
| Best for | readers who want a quiet, deeply moving literary novel about duty and regret |
The Remains of the Day is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, published in 1989. It won the Booker Prize and became a 1993 film starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Ishiguro won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Main Characters
- Stevens: An aging, devoted butler.
- Miss Kenton: The former housekeeper, now Mrs. Benn.
- Lord Darlington: Stevens's former employer.
- Mr. Farraday: Darlington Hall's new American owner.
- Stevens's father: An old butler working under his son.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The journey
Stevens works for Mr. Farraday, an American who has bought Darlington Hall. Farraday suggests he take a motoring trip. Stevens decides to visit Miss Kenton, hoping she will return to work, after receiving a letter suggesting her marriage is unhappy.
Dignity
On the road, Stevens reflects on what makes a “great butler.” He believes it is dignity: never letting personal feelings break through professional service. He recalls his father, also a butler, who died upstairs during an important conference while Stevens kept serving.
Lord Darlington
Stevens remembers the 1920s and 1930s, when Lord Darlington hosted meetings to support appeasement of Germany. Darlington once ordered him to dismiss two Jewish maids. Stevens obeyed, though Miss Kenton protested. Stevens defends his master, but slowly admits doubts.
Miss Kenton
Stevens recalls his relationship with Miss Kenton, filled with small moments of affection. She tried to reach him, but he always retreated into formality. When she announced her engagement, he responded coolly, and she cried behind a closed door.
The ending
Stevens meets Miss Kenton, now Mrs. Benn. She admits she once wondered about a life with him but now loves her husband. On a pier at dusk, Stevens weeps, realizing he gave his best years to a flawed master. He resolves to make the most of the “remains of the day.”
5 Key Takeaways
- Devotion to duty can cost a life.
- Repressing feelings leads to regret.
- Serving power blindly has moral consequences.
- Memory can be selective and self-protective.
- It is never too late to change.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The evening is the best part of the day.
- Dignity should not mean hiding from life.
- What we fail to say can shape our lives.
Who Should Read The Remains of the Day?
Read The Remains of the Day if you want a subtle, beautifully written novel. It suits adults and older teens.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Remains of the Day:
- Is Stevens to blame for his choices?
- What does dignity mean in the novel?
- What could Stevens have done differently with Miss Kenton?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Remains of the Day is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Remains of the Day, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes, if you appreciate quiet, emotional stories. Stevens's narration is precise and restrained, and much of the power lies in what he does not say. Readers who want plot and action may find it slow, but its ending is devastating and memorable.
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What to Read Next
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Ishiguro's novel of love and loss
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro: an artificial friend's devotion
- Atonement by Ian McEwan: regret and memory in England
Related: 15 Books Like The Remains of the Day You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Remains of the Day about?
An aging butler reflects on duty, his master and a lost love.
Did it win the Booker Prize?
Yes, in 1989.
Who is Miss Kenton?
The former housekeeper Stevens cared for but never told.
What does the title mean?
The evening of life and what is left of it.
Is there a film?
Yes, the 1993 film with Anthony Hopkins.
Who wrote it?
Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel laureate.
How long is it?
About 250 pages.
When is it set?
In 1956, with memories of the 1920s and 1930s.
Who are the main characters in The Remains of the Day?
The main characters are Stevens, Miss Kenton, Lord Darlington, Mr. Farraday and Stevens's father. Stevens: An aging, devoted butler. Miss Kenton: The former housekeeper, now Mrs. Benn. Lord Darlington: Stevens's former employer.
Is The Remains of the Day worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a quiet, deeply moving literary novel about duty and regret. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.