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rnbhargava's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5
This is rightfully considered a modern classic. However, it’s intentionally slow paced, almost monotonous. That said, I mostly quite admire it. The protagonist, Stevens the Butler, is reconciling his past and whether he fully engaged with life, friendships and potential loves, and whether his employer is a good person given who he associated with during war time and whether those he sympathized with were worthy of admiration. The idea of what’s appropriate while working as a Butler. Miss Kenton is quite the character that highlights that grey line between close friendship and romantic love for Stevens. Stephens’ fixation and recollections of her form the core of the plot. There are some comedic bits as well. A lot of this book is about what was said or left unsaid. Though I’m giving this a 3.5, honestly I will probably think about this book for a long time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Antisemitism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Classism
A lot of the content about the plot of this book is about what’s unsaid and the biases of Stevens the Butler. It’s told through recollections. It’s possible I’ve missed some triggers so be aware.rivercat0338's review against another edition
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Emotional abuse and Xenophobia