It’s the third and final installment in our mini-series where we revisit Booker Prize novels whose cinematic adaptations were nominated at the Academy Awards. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, which won the 1989 Booker Prize. Ishiguro’s moving portrait of the perfect English butler looking back on his life was adapted for the screen four years later by James Ivory – the film received eight nominations at the Oscars. Tune in to hear Jo and James discuss the novel – which also happens to be our March Monthly Spotlight – and its big-screen counterpart.

Share a brief biography of Kazuo Ishiguro

Summarise the plot of the book, and share their thoughts on it

Explore the character of Stevens and the idea of dignity on which he based his life

Discuss the narrative devices Ishiguro uses throughout the novel

Delve into James Ivory’s adaptation, and the differences between book and film