Synopsis: "The novel's narrator, Stevens, is a perfect English butler who tries to give his narrow existence form and meaning through the self-effacing, almost mystical practice of his profession. In a career that spans the second World War, Stevens is oblivious of the real life that goes on around him -- oblivious, for instance, of the fact that his aristocrat employer is a Nazi sympathizer. Still, there are even larger matters at stake in this heartbreaking, pitch-perfect novel -- namely, Stevens' own ability to allow some bit of life-affirming love into his tightly repressed existence."This book aches with all that goes unsaid. It is quite a feat in this medium to adequately convey the emotion behind everything that is left unexpressed, especially when the narrator himself seems unaware. This book is really artistically crafted around the apparent disinterest of Stevens in anything beyond his profession and the "dignity" that he strives for therein and what lies beneath the words and events on the page. What is really expert about it is that though Stevens appears unaware (I have to say "appears," because there is always a sense that there is some kind of unmentioned denial of anything of consequence going on throughout the whole narrative) the reader still clearly sees everything that is going on that Steven's does not and it is heartbreaking. A really tragic tale of what can be forever lost when people fail to see what lies right before them and to seize the moments and opportunities that make life meaningful.
A taste of the sad tale (even more so when you read the book and see what he's talking about):
"What is the point in worrying oneself too much about what one could or could not have done to control the course one’s life took? Surely it is enough that the likes of you and I at least try to make our small contribution count for something true and worthy. And if some of us are prepared to sacrifice much in life in order to pursue such aspirations, surely that is in itself, whatever the outcome, cause for pride and contentment."
5 comments:
i like this book a lot. i see things somewhat differently though. i think that if one reads the book believing that Lord Darlington is a Nazi sympathizer, then one misses the true meaning of the book. ---This next part will spoil interesting turns in the book if you haven't read it--- Ishiguro is creating a beautiful juxtaposition. Lord Darlington mistakenly believes that he is promoting English values and equality by supporting the movement to re-arm Germany, but instead is sympathizing with the Nazis. Stevens is Lord Darlington's head butler and thinks he is aspiring to be the most dignified butler possible by ignoring every aspect of reality except for his duties as butler. He does not notice the love he feels for or the love offered him by the fellow servant women whose name escapes me. Both the Lord of the house and the chief butler pursue the best and miss out on fulfillment because of it. i think it is a wonderful tragedy, and i have an additional thought on what both of these men represent for Ishiguro.
Thanks Jon! I'm glad that you brought these points into the discussion so beautifully. It really allows one to think about how some priorities, even good (at least seemingly to us) priorities, can keep us from ultimate fulfillment.
Oh, and I wanted to add that I used this synopsis from another source because it was easy, but I agree with you completely. Some of what is interesting about it too is that Stevens sees the good motives Lord Darlington has and defends him with that understanding, refusing to acknowledge other things that are happening, just as he does in his own life.
The pursuit of the best but missing out on it is why I included the quote that I did. Such a good book. Anyway, you rock. Thanks for sharing.
Always happy to talk about books i've read.
Of course... our rinky dink library doesn't have this book. Ü Keep blogging... someday I'll get to read your recommendation... some day. (I just know it!)
Jennifer
I don't see this book at my rinky dink library -- but I found the tree cups, and the other one. I see some good reading in my future!
THANKS Monica.
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