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pascalibrary's review against another edition
5.0
Great novel about authenticity vs. inauthenticity. The message at the end is somewhat pedestrian, but still hits hard, especially to people like myself, I'm assuming.
linds_farr's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the most quietly heartbreaking books I’ve ever read. Incredibly well written at all levels. A character so deeply known by the author, so elegantly revealed through his narration. I’m still processing wow
grapereads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This book was fundamentally about a truth of life that many people like to avoid. It is the truth that life is not perfect: things turn out bad in the long run, we have deep regrets that haunt our remaining days; yet we must learn to accept this as the nature of life and look to the future. The sad element of this, however, is that when Stevens learns to look to the future, he is still only thinking of how he can best serve his employer, as this is the only life he knows. His lack of self-indulgence has cost him, but he comforts himself by being at the centre of many of life's great moments; the sad truth is that history will never remember him. He has lived a non-existence, but this is a novel that reminds us (however unwelcoming the prospect is) that we all have lived this non-existence, and perhaps this is alright. I think what I am trying to say is that I find a comfort in the shared regrets of this man's reminiscences.
meher23's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
First chunk of the book seems to be a manual on how to be a good butler. Definitely picks up though, but it’s still hard to fall in love with the narrator. I like the overall message of the book, but it could’ve been told more concisely, it meanders
villain_coded_queer's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
anamaiaferreira's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-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