From: Remi
Category: Books
Date: 16 April 2005
Chose this from my bookshelf of unread books. Bought it in March 1992, wrote this in a purple pen with my name as 'Remy', like the cognac. Was quite convinced by everything that the narrator butler had to say, I don't usually believe what i read in novels so easily. This makes this a very good novel for me. My girlfriend said I didn't know what good fiction is. I do: that which most ressembles non-fiction. I guess there's not much point in going through the plot as you'll already know it either from the novel or the film, or both. The diary format may seem like the writer is avoiding structure, but you're not conscious of it here, such is the immediacy of the prose. Different voices intertwine, and different tones. You don't get bored. Everyone has their say. You learn about the demise of post-1918 England through a lord's meetings with important people. So the book may stand as an historical (I love the way the 'h' is ignored) piece, as well as a personal one. Stevens, the butler, invites you into his world and his past. He's never done this before, and I think you'll agree he does a fine job of it.
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