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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Deservedly a masterpiece,the slow reveal through Steven's recollections. the sense of loss and missed opportunity. A probably one of the best books I read in 2017
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
so crushingly, devastatingly sad. ishiguro's writing is masterful - the slow unfolding of information, the way that despite the first person narration, our only clues to steven's emotions are often through the dialogue of those around him. i'm just so sad for him.
emotional
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well-deserving of its prize, the book follows the introspection of a butler who worked in 1930s England for a sympathizer/loyalist type. My contribution in this review is twofold: the structure and the style. Together I hope they provide a window to the soul of this book, and why you should read this immediately.
For the structure, the writing style does a great job delineating past from present. The present uses shorter sentences. The sharp adjectives and verbs add immediacy. The plot is fast and in the moment. You move at a gallop rather than a walk. Each action is short. There's less reflection in each response. Regrets are immediate but do not last long, unlike the past. In the past the narrator's reflection is winding and nuanced. The narrator apologies often, explaining away any perceived inadequacies or gaps in logic. Much like an apologetic diary, the narrator tries very hard to explain away or to defend positions that make you feel he is actually remorseful but cannot admit it. This structure is excellent and makes the book a top notch read.
For the style, the book's use of a balanced and intentional stream of consciousness creates a true parable. Yes, the narrator is a butler. But think of your own life. You probably don't realize you are in essence serving someone else for money. The butler finds purpose in helping this nobleman; isn't that the mission statement of most shitty startups run by dipshit MBAs trying to be as much of a con man as the rich people of this era? Isn't the butler's failure to match work to personal emotion what is happening to the 9-9-6ers in China? As you read the book the style consistently makes you think: am I a butler?
Highly highly highly recommend. Probably the best written book I've had the pleasure of reading in 2025. This is the feel I got years ago when reading Birds Without Wings. The books are completely different, but both make me feel I am reading a masterpiece.
For the structure, the writing style does a great job delineating past from present. The present uses shorter sentences. The sharp adjectives and verbs add immediacy. The plot is fast and in the moment. You move at a gallop rather than a walk. Each action is short. There's less reflection in each response. Regrets are immediate but do not last long, unlike the past. In the past the narrator's reflection is winding and nuanced. The narrator apologies often, explaining away any perceived inadequacies or gaps in logic. Much like an apologetic diary, the narrator tries very hard to explain away or to defend positions that make you feel he is actually remorseful but cannot admit it. This structure is excellent and makes the book a top notch read.
For the style, the book's use of a balanced and intentional stream of consciousness creates a true parable. Yes, the narrator is a butler. But think of your own life. You probably don't realize you are in essence serving someone else for money. The butler finds purpose in helping this nobleman; isn't that the mission statement of most shitty startups run by dipshit MBAs trying to be as much of a con man as the rich people of this era? Isn't the butler's failure to match work to personal emotion what is happening to the 9-9-6ers in China? As you read the book the style consistently makes you think: am I a butler?
Highly highly highly recommend. Probably the best written book I've had the pleasure of reading in 2025. This is the feel I got years ago when reading Birds Without Wings. The books are completely different, but both make me feel I am reading a masterpiece.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes