8/10This book is tremendous. It is a decently quick and easy read as well. It is about a butler who dedicates his entire life to his trade. He is completely consumed by his service that he misses out on many of life's pleasures. He misses out, generally, on life. It is actually quite a heartbreaking novel. The butler, Stevens, is seriously one of the most likable characters I've seen in a novel and that's why it is so sad to see all that he misses out on.
The book takes place during a rare, week-long "vacation" that Stevens takes after 30 years of service. He is going to visit a former butleress, if that's what female butlers are called. Deep down I think they loved each other, but their profession kept them from enjoying life together. During his drive he has many recollections about his years of service. Doubts emerge in his mind whether his committed service was done toward a gentleman who may not have been that good of a guy. His life he gave to serve this man may not have been worth it.
The book is also pretty funny. Stevens is so concerned about learning how to "banter". His ability to interact with other people is a skill that he does not have due to his quiet butler nature. The fact that his inability to banter is about the most important consistent thought in his mind on recollecting his life makes this book all the more heartbreaking.
The movie of this book is also very good starring Anthony Hopkins and was nominated for Best Picture. It is a little different in places, but I guess all movie adaptations are.
One isolated quote I like:
"It is unbecoming to go on hating an enemy like this once a conflict is over. Once you've got a man on the canvas, that ought to be the end of it. You don't then proceed to kick him."
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