Finished with REMAINS OF THE DAY

In my last post I promised to finish his book while I was traveling, which I did. Now the coincident part of this is that this book involves someone traveling within his countryside, looking back on his life and his job. I have also traveled and I too will look at this butler's life. REMAINS OF THE DAY was written by Kazuo Ishiguro. Mr. Ishiguro was born in 1954, so a contemporary. This book was finished and first published in 1989 and is published both in England and the New York City. My copy was published in 2012 by ALFRED A KNOPF in their Everyman's Library edition. I am glad to have learned this because in the introduction by Salman Rushdie, he makes reference to Downton Abbey (vii), so I had been thinking that the show was either longed lived or I had a later copy.

This is about and told by our Butler Mr. Stevens, who has been given permission to tour the country side in  his current employers Ford. They reside at Darlington Hall in 1956. Mr. Stevens is reluctant to do as instructed because he does not think that it is proper and believes Mr. Farraday is not sure of English customs. But two things make him change his mind, one he is having trouble keeping staff, and he receives a letter from the former person in charge of the housemaids, her name is Miss Kenton, but actually we learn later she is married.

Mr. Stevens, brings up to Mr. Farraday about his suggestion several days later, and is happy to know that he still has permission. Though Mr. Farraday jokes about him meeting up with a woman. This causes Mr. Stevens to talk about the bantering of Americans. The whole time he Mr. Stevens is driving to Miss Kenton's area in Cornwall he is reflecting about his life, those who were and are in it and how a butler should be dignified giving the best service he can.  He is questioned several times about his previous employer, who seems had connections to Germany before WWII, and is not looked on favorably by the people in England. Mr. Stevens tries to justify his employers position though time and time again he denies that he knows him. Reminded me of Peter with Jesus. Most of his reflections are about Miss Kenton, you get the feeling that opportunity was lost. But man with a stiff shirt such as Mr. Stevens, one can see why.

I really liked the book, makes one reflect about ones own life and opportunities we miss because we let others dictate our lives.