The remains of the day by Kazuo Ishiguro

"The remains of the day" by Kazuo Ishiguro - Trip down memory lane of an English butler!

This book is published by Faber in 2010 and has 272 pages. This book won Booker prize in 1989.

Darlington hall, a property owned by a true Englishman is purchased by Mr. Faraday, an American. He retains the services of the butler Mr. Stevens and a skeleton staff. Mr. Stevens takes on a motoring trip to recruit Miss. Kenton, a former housekeeper of Darlington hall. While on the trip he takes us down the memory lane.

Will Mr. Stevens meet Miss. Kenton, now married for 20 years? Will she accept the offer? Are they friends? What are the qualities of a great butler?

Initial part of the book highlights the contrast of English (serious,  procedural,  orderly) and American (easy going,  light banter) lifestyles and butler's difficulty in adjusting to new employer.

Stevens is a true blue English butler who is epitome of professionalism and dignity. His profession comes first for him, above anything personal,  including death of his father. He lives for the art of butlering (Don't know if that is an English word). You can not take the butler out of Mr. Stevens.

Miss Kenton, was the house keeper in Darlington hall. Their association starts with friction but matures gradually to a working relationship to semi friendship, until she marries and leaves.

Most of the story is the reflection of the butler of past events, while he is on a motoring trip to try and recruit Miss Kenton. His reflections take us through his personal life, his love hate relationship with Miss. Kenton, political atmosphere in England preceding WWII, contribution of his master and the biggest question 'what is required of a great butler?'.

The story takes place in the first half of twentieth century. The story is slow, it has very little drama and has no action,  yet it is riveting and enjoyable. Reader does not get distracted. Author should be applauded for his narration. The story is on a different plane altogether. No wonder it won Booker prize. 

Why did I read this book? Picked it on a whim.

What I didn't like?  Umm.....

What did I like? Everything.

A must read.