When you first take a look at this book, you are likely to put it down. But as you take a closer look, you observe that it has won the 1989 Booker Prize which is no mean achievement. I happened to pick it up from my younger brother’s vast collection of old novels. Written by Kazuo Ishiguro, a Japanese-born English writer, this novel was first published by Faber & Faber in 1989.
The setting is in England where Stevens who is one of the best butlers in his profession, describes the joy & agony of the butler in the course of discharging his normal duties. He reminds us of how a dignified butler should conduct himself vis-a-vis his master, guests, outsiders, etc.
It is a moving book encompassing the whole range of human emotions from loyalty, love, dignity, perseverance, & many others. Particularly amusing were the interaction between Stevens & Miss Kenton (the housekeeper), Stevens’ father & his guests, & towards the end between Stevens & a couple of guests recounted as a flashback.
There is a heart-touching moral at the end of this story where Stevens asks & I quote :’’ What is the point in worrying oneself too much about what one could or could not have done to control the course one’s life took? I should cease looking back so much, I should adopt a more positive outlook & try to make the best of what remains of my day.’’
Happy reading!