The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. [Photo/Agencies]

Title: The Remains of the Day

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Country: United Kingdom

Published: 1989

Stevens, an English butler who dedicated his life to serving Lord Darlington, reflects on his life when his master decided to appease, his immutable loyalty to his master, his toppling self worth and the meaning of the word "dignity".

In search of a new job, Stevens reencounters Miss Kenton, a former colleague and former love interest. When it came for them to work side by side once more, their affections towards one another resurfaces again, but neither of them dares to cross the line.

The war does not feature as prominently throughout the novel, as it is in other books. Instead, it is like the dark cloud that never dissipates, casting shadows on people's lives day and night, in the most silent, ubiquitous and yet powerful fashion ever.