What a subtle, poignant, sad book.
In post-WWII England, Stevens, a butler of a formerly great aristocratic house takes a road trip through the country and has the opportunity to reflect on his tenure of servitude. Through these memories — many with another employee, Miss Kenton — Stevens sketches a life left rather unlived through the endless pursuit of dignity, that intangible, elite quality embodied by the foremost butlers.
What is dignity? No one can put it into words, not even Stevens, but based on his recollections, it seems to be gained at the expense of emotion, empathy, and indeed a measure of humanity. It’s the unwavering display of competence in the face of trials, and perfunctory compliance even through the completion of questionably immoral tasks.
But this book isn’t an indictment on Stevens; it’s a slow unraveling of truths wrapped in moments of time, and even when Stevens begins to realize the gravity of many of those truths, he’s so conditioned by his commitment to dignity, so married to his position, that what could have been an emotional watershed moment is quite tempered by his stoicism. It’s heartbreaking, and yet perfect. Ishiguro’s voice as Stevens is wholly realized and completely true to character at every turn.
I suspect this will be a book that I’ll read again some time in the future and appreciate it more. It’s a slow burn that requires careful attention, which I don’t always have.
Happy DOUBLE CANNONBALL!!! On a different note: I freakin’ love this book. It takes a few reads to really understand the richness and depth it holds. But so worth the effort.
Thank you! I definitely see myself coming back to this again, maybe in a year or two. If I finish my cannonballs quickly enough, I like to have time at the end of the year for re-reads :)
This is an EXCELLENT book to Double Cannonball on. One of my all-time faves. I’m so glad you liked it!
Thank you!! I actually think I saw you reference it on GR as a favorite of yours and that may have bumped it up the TBR :)
Oh yay!
You’ve convinced me. I’m adding it to the list.
And double congratulations to you!
Thanks so much!
Happy double Cannonball!
Happy Double! And goodness I love this book! What a great one to double with!
Cheers to your double cannonball!!
Congratulations on your double Cannonball! I’ve only read Never Let Me Go, which I found rather dull, really, but with so many people loving this book, I’m going to have to check it out at some point.
Congrats!!!
Happy Double!