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laindarko2's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Graphic: Antisemitism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Dementia
india_g's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Antisemitism
goldenhand_the_just's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Antisemitism
lorees_reading_nook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Dare I say that Stevens is one of the most staid, pedantic, dull and impenetrable characters I have ever had the pleasure to read about? But, may I also say that Ishiguro's characterization is absolutely spot on?
'...a butler's duty is to provide good service' and Stevens dedicated his life to doing just that, even during difficult personal moments. He never questioned or complained. So who am I to call him staid and dull? He lived doing what he lived best, his emotions hidden behind an impenetrable façade whose cracks we are rarely allowed to glimpse
This is not a plot-driven book. Indeed, I will go so far as to say that this book has no plot at all. It is just the story of a middle-aged man reminiscing about the past, about moments that he considered to be the highlights of his career, and the people he admired. In Stevens we have the epitome of a perfect butler, an exemplary employee at even the most difficult of times. It is how he wanted to be remembered and we, the reader, should feel happy for him.
But after reading the last page, I came away with a feeling of such intense sadness for this man who had sacrificed everything, even his own fleeting chance at happiness, and who was left with nothing but his dignity and his recollections. Stevens is a portrait of how I don't want to live my life. Ishiguro's genius lies in creating a character that seems so cold and distant but who you still feel the urge to hug (although I am sure it would have horrified him). I am sure I will reread this book one day. Such sublime writing needs to be read more than once but I fear that my choppy review does not quite do justice to this restrained, subtle but painfully accurate gem of a book.
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Antisemitism
megmo's review
- 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
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Dementia, and Grief
Minor: War
amymcphrsn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Antisemitism
aden_'s review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Antisemitism and Death of parent
mc235's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Antisemitism and War
lianne_rooney's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Antisemitism
conbeeni's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Antisemitism and War
Minor: Grief