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idajoh's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ishiguro is a master at giving a voice to his characters. This book is so different from the naivety of both Klara and the Sun and Never Let Me Go, mainly because we're dealing with an entirely different character.
The repetetiveness and snobish voice of Stevens are his biggest flaws. The fact that this book is introspective, again, only alludes to his flaw. Stevens is so concerned with the past that he seems unable to enjoy the remains of his life, which are essentially withering away.
I would say there are two main messages of this book. The first being to enjoy your life and to stop living in the past, a message I wholeheartedly agree with. Stevens seems to be a static characrer for the entirety of the book, even though we follow him for 30 yeaes.
The second message this book conveys is about change. At first glance, this book seemed to convey that the only things you can change are those changes that are "available" to you, as Stevens seems to think. In his case, this being how polished the silverware is. However, we as readers realize the irony of this, because I sincerely think Stevens would have a bigger impact on his own life if he did not just go along with everything that happened, and genuinly expressed his opinions. Therefore, the message seems to be that we may have the power to change more things than what seems to be within our reach. Although this book deals with the second world war and foreign policy at the time, which I don't think was within Stevens reach. His relationship with Miss Kinnon, however, was.
All in all, this was a very good read although maybe not entirely enjoyable, because of the repetitive nature of the book and the long monologues about Stevens ideas of being a "great" butler. Things that definitely contributed to his characterization, but did not interest me.
The repetetiveness and snobish voice of Stevens are his biggest flaws. The fact that this book is introspective, again, only alludes to his flaw. Stevens is so concerned with the past that he seems unable to enjoy the remains of his life, which are essentially withering away.
I would say there are two main messages of this book. The first being to enjoy your life and to stop living in the past, a message I wholeheartedly agree with. Stevens seems to be a static characrer for the entirety of the book, even though we follow him for 30 yeaes.
The second message this book conveys is about change. At first glance, this book seemed to convey that the only things you can change are those changes that are "available" to you, as Stevens seems to think. In his case, this being how polished the silverware is. However, we as readers realize the irony of this, because I sincerely think Stevens would have a bigger impact on his own life if he did not just go along with everything that happened, and genuinly expressed his opinions. Therefore, the message seems to be that we may have the power to change more things than what seems to be within our reach. Although this book deals with the second world war and foreign policy at the time, which I don't think was within Stevens reach. His relationship with Miss Kinnon, however, was.
All in all, this was a very good read although maybe not entirely enjoyable, because of the repetitive nature of the book and the long monologues about Stevens ideas of being a "great" butler. Things that definitely contributed to his characterization, but did not interest me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Death of parent
Moderate: Death and War
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Classism, Death, Dysphoria, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, War, Medical content, Alcohol, Antisemitism, and Grief
anh_read's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In general, I enjoyed this book very much since it is beautifully written. However, I was sometimes averse towards the butler, because of his stiff and narrow views. Furthermore, when he was reflecting on his proudest moments in his career, I was sometimes appalled as it was less of a victory and more of failure on his part. This book definitely made me realize that your should never prioritize your job above all else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Classism and War
agirlsnightbookbash's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Antisemitism, Classism, and War
natanidae's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: War
Minor: Death of parent, Death, and Alcohol
kibiiiariii's review
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Xenophobia, Alcohol, Genocide, Ableism, Antisemitism, Classism, Death of parent, Grief, Pregnancy, and War
megmo's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief, Death, and Dementia
Minor: War
risemini's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
oceanwriter's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
At first, I found the book painfully slow (and admittedly uninteresting). Though I can't say it exactly picked up the pace, I got more invested. I enjoyed the exploration of Stevens' reserved relationships and the dedication to his work. The messages of the story are subtle. Compared to other books not a lot happens, but that somehow seems to resonate deeper. Even though the book is being told by Stevens, Miss Kenton's longing comes through strongly despite the wall Stevens' has built surrounding any sort of intimacy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Grief, War, and Death
madamenovelist's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Antisemitism
Minor: Death and War