The Remains of the Day

This is exactly the kind of book I'd recommend to someone who wasn't sure if they'd like the genre. Safe, well-made, and engaging without being demanding.

I have a complicated relationship with this book. Parts of it are brilliant. Other parts had me checking how many pages were left. The good outweighs the bad.

This is the kind of book I'll press into people's hands with a slightly unhinged look in my eyes. One of the best I've read this year without a doubt.

Really, really good. I stayed up way too late three nights in a row and I don't regret a single minute of lost sleep. The characters feel like people I actually know.

Finished it at 2am, sat in silence for ten minutes, then started thinking about who I could make read it immediately. This is what books are for.

Good but not great. The first half is stronger than the second, and I was more gripped by the ideas than the execution. Worth reading once.

Knocked me sideways. I wasn't expecting to be this affected by a fantasy novel. The emotional intelligence here is remarkable.

Enjoyable if you're already a fan of the genre. Doesn't do much to break new ground, but the existing ground it covers is covered well.

Enjoyable if you're already a fan of the genre. Doesn't do much to break new ground, but the existing ground it covers is covered well.

A solid, enjoyable read that doesn't overstay its welcome. Won't change your life but will pass a long flight very pleasantly. Exactly what it says on the tin.