The Remains of the Day

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

I dreamed of this little scene, only a tad more Jooster-like. Oops.

The waters have been a bit quiet on my front, and I thought any contribution would be nice at this point.
 
If you haven't read Kazou Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day, I highly recommend it. Or the movie. Or both.
It tells the story of Stevens, an English butler who has dedicated his life to the loyal service of one Lord Darlington. So dedicated even, that he's oblivious of the real life that goes on around him: who his employer really is, and - heartbreaking - he doesn't allow himself to fall in love, as you can see in the clip *also, insert Jeeves here*
Sounds boring maybe, but it's one of my most cherished books and I am sure it won't leave you unaffected.

Comments

[xavantina.livejournal.com]

I *love* The Remains of the Day!

It is just so well written, I love how it questions the reliability of your memories (Stevens describes a scene where Miss Kenton is crying and he does not comfort her even though he wants to, but he describes it twice, almost identically, in the course of the book, but the reason she is crying is different. I think it's sort of his fault in one version, hers in another), how he can suppress the memory of all those damning moments when he saw how horrible Lord Darlington really was, but he did nothing, because he is just so obsessed with loyalty and self-sacrifice that he cannot allow himself to admit these things, nor open up to Miss Kenton before it is too late. Oooooo!

Oh yes, I'm rambling, I just really love this book.

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

No, no, please, ramble on! It has been a while since I read it, and it is wonderful to get such a colourful trip down memory lane! I wish I could express my passion and frustration, admittedly) for this book as well!
I just rented Never Let Me Go, which makes me very eager for the breathing time of the holidays :)

[storyfan.livejournal.com]

This book is so fantastic I had my kids read it for their literature class. There's so much in here, from class distinctions to war information to gender roles to everything. And the movie really does it justice.

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

I wish I had a literature class like your kids have back when I was at high school. Oh well.

[foofarah.livejournal.com]

This book (and the movie) broke my little teenage heart. I would watch that scene over and over again thinking, 'maybe he'll kiss her this time.' Stevens is very much the opposite of Jeeves- one being the passive protagonist, the other being a great manipulator.

It would be fun to see a crossover fic in which Jeeves does a bit of matchmaking. :D

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

I KNOW. EVERY. TIME. This time he will caress her face, this time he will lean down to kiss her aaaarGHHHHyoufool!

Oh don't... don't say that. Now I really want that fic. Or a similar little scene between Bertie and Jeeves, but with a happy ending.

[bnmc2005.livejournal.com]

Love this movie! I've never read the book but yes I can see the Jeeves in there as well and I've thought of it often.
Consider your post very pertinent and not boring at all.

I came across a great analysis of this story on jstor while researching a paper (that had nothing to do with this book but a keyword brought it up.) The analysis really took a close look at the issues of class and the 'devotion' of the servant to his master. It drew an analogy between Stevens and the British subjects of colonized nations. Fascinating stuff.

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

...very pertinent and not boring at all. You know, I posted this, went to school and thought crap, I have given no real reason why I posted this, except for really loving it. That's not pertinent! But people don't really seem to mind ;P

If you can remember the title of the thing, I'd be very happy to dive into Jstor 0:)

...

[angieveep.livejournal.com]

Oh, that would make a nice Jooster fic, I think... I suggest a happy ending, though.

Re: ...

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

I agree 100% with your comment.

[pure-terrorist.livejournal.com]

I read this book when I was fifteen and it sparked a lifelong fascination with butlers. It has a special place in my heart too.

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

Special, very special place indeed. I was so deeply moved by it, difficult to express. And indeed, no that I think of it! My first confrontation with the downstairs world - first confrontation with yeap, a lifelong fascination!

[toodlepipsigner.livejournal.com]

I have oft considered doing a Remains/Jeeves crossover, but the likelihood of that happening any time soon is nil. I'd certainly put my vote in for anyone else who took it up, though.

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

Well let's say I won't be the one stopping people, either ;)

[triedunture.livejournal.com]

I'll just leave this here: http://betterbooktitles.com/post/2313384231/remains

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

hahahahaha SO TRUE

omg I must imagine a better book title for the Jeeves-series hee

[piccadillyo.livejournal.com]

This scene just breaks my heart. I've been wanting to see it again for some time; thankyou for directing us to it.

[mxdp.livejournal.com]

Anytime! :)