The story is about a butler Stevens who is the chief of staff at Darlington Hall, a grand house near Oxford, England. In the summer of 1956 he undertook a six day journey by road to the West Country of England so as to visit a housekeeper who he loved dearly but never spoke about. Miss Kenton the housekeeper had left 20 years earlier. On the face of it both disagree gravely on so many things during her tenure that aids in masking their care & affection for each other. Their episodes of resentment & disagreements are humorous and entertaining. Through letters she stays in touch that gives a glimpse of her unhappy state in a layered way. Ascertaining her misery and to free her from unhappiness Stevens wants her back as the housekeeper in the post World War II phase. It’s a book about love, professional dignity, pride, loss, principles and regrets of life. While on his journey Stevens reminisces & outlines elaborate dinners that were routine in Darlington Hall. The prominent personalities who stayed at the house Stevens throws light on their personalities as well as choices. His employer Lord Darlington was his idol who he obeyed even when he was wrong. His decisions were never questioned and followed to the T.

It’s the winner of Man Booker Prize 1989. It’s beautiful and moving. Absorbs through its deep study of class, culture and human conflicts. World War II and its struggles have been highlighted in a subtle manner. During his trip Stevens also narrates his friendships with fellow butlers that makes it an interesting read. Kazuo Ishiguro beautifully highlights what a waste a life can be through one’s own faults.