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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
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
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Despite the slow pace it moved well and unfolded in a masterful way Devastating with a hopeful ending which was appreciated
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Audio
Beautiful writing, but I found it slow and hard to finish. I never felt emotionally connected and just drifted through it. I can see why it’s a classic, but it wasn’t for me. I’ll still give Ishiguro another try.
Beautiful writing, but I found it slow and hard to finish. I never felt emotionally connected and just drifted through it. I can see why it’s a classic, but it wasn’t for me. I’ll still give Ishiguro another try.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Boy Book Club Book #3! At first didn’t love it and it was so slow and felt sluggish getting through but about halfway through things picked up and I actually really enjoyed the book! The writing itself was very good and descriptive. I didn’t find myself really liking any of the characters but it was interesting to read through the eyes of Mr. Steven’s. A fun thought process of what would you have done? Last page or so was a little like huh why did he end on tbat