Reading notes: The Remains of the Day
It took me a while to get into The Remains of the Day. It starts out quite slow, and the main character is almost deliberately obtuse. Being an English butler, and having his entire life dedicated to his profession, Mr Stevens doesn't say anything plainly or straightforwardly. Meaning is coated in euphemisms, preluded with endless clarifications and excuses. Honestly, Mr Stevens is not the most sympathetic character.
His frankly insane worldview and professional standards are endlessly debated and rehearsed, and you will wonder why you are reading a book that seems to mainly consider the esoteric rules and expectations of the landed-gentry in early 1900s England.
However, just when you're not paying attention, the book starts opening up, more and more of Mr Stevens endless sacrifice at his own personal cost becomes apparent. The loss of his father, the loss of love. Suddenly, the book is about regret, and how to live with that regret. To face one's past, recognize all that has happened, to feel that regret, but to still move forward and carry on.