The Surprising Truth about The Remains of the Day
The Remains of the Day seems to be a very simple story. An elderly English butler borrows a car and drives to the coast to meet an old colleague. But is that all there is to it?
In fact, the story is as complicated as its main character. Mr Stevens is the perfect butler - obedient, skillful, and reserved. He is also secretly in love with the housekeeper, Miss Kenton. However, he is so bound by duty that he never tells her - never even gives her the slightest hint.
The key moment in the book comes when their employer becomes fascinated by the Nazi ideology and tells Mr Stevens to fire two young Jewish servants. Miss Kenton cries, while Mr Stevens carries out his task with no emotion. The writing at this point in the book is sublime - when you know that Stevens is in love with Kenton, his behaviour is mystifying. Why doesn't he at least tell her that he agrees with her?
Working out the answer to that question is one of the most rewarding quests in literature, and that's why I strongly recommend you read this book as soon as possible.
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