Review of 'The Remains of the Day'

This review was written by Joe Porter.

The Remains of the Day tells us the story of Stevens, an English butler who dedicates his working life to faithfully serving his employer, Lord Darlington. The story begins with Stevens receiving a letter from Miss Kenton, the former housekeeper of Darlington Hall. Stevens is still the Butler at Darlington Hall. He now serves the new owner, Mr Farraday. Stevens and Miss Kenton worked for Lord Darlington in the years leading up to the Second World War. They had a relationship that at all times remained professional, although it was obvious they had romantic feelings for each other. Miss Kenton, in her letter, says she is married and is now called Mrs Benn.

Mr Farraday encourges Stevens to borrow the car and take a well earned holiday. Stevens accepts Mr Farraday's offer and, under the pretext of offering her a job, decides to look up Mrs Benn. As Stevens embarks on his journey, he refects on his unswerving loyalty to Lord Darlington, his relationship with his father and ultimately he faces up to the feelings he held for Miss Kenton.

The Remains of the Day won the 1989 Man Booker Prize and was made into a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.