nicanical
You could alternatively call this Diary of an NPC because that's what the main character is: butler Stevens (I don't recall a first name) takes a week-long vacation during which he reminisces about his previous service to the late Lord Darlington. Stevens served loyally and unquestioningly through tough times and objectionable demands. He believes this exemplifies a form of dignity but, by the end of the story, realizes that it exemplifies more his lack of a backbone.
I think the pacing is good, the scenes are balanced in weight and Kazuo Ishiguro doesn't linger too long in any given one—a sometimes-issue when stories rely heavily on deeply introspective characters. However, it's frustrating to follow along with Stevens: he is stiff, awkward, and naive in his blind loyalty to his employer. I don't like his highfalutin manner of speech and his habit of justifying himself ex post facto with sophistry. I admire The Remains of the Day as a composition but this doesn't make up for its uninspiring protagonist.
You could alternatively call this Diary of an NPC because that's what the main character is: butler Stevens (I don't recall a first name) takes a week-long vacation during which he reminisces about his previous service to the late Lord Darlington. Stevens served loyally and unquestioningly through tough times and objectionable demands. He believes this exemplifies a form of dignity but, by the end of the story, realizes that it exemplifies more his lack of a backbone.
I think the pacing is good, the scenes are balanced in weight and Kazuo Ishiguro doesn't linger too long in any given one—a sometimes-issue when stories rely heavily on deeply introspective characters. However, it's frustrating to follow along with Stevens: he is stiff, awkward, and naive in his blind loyalty to his employer. I don't like his highfalutin manner of speech and his habit of justifying himself ex post facto with sophistry. I admire The Remains of the Day as a composition but this doesn't make up for its uninspiring protagonist.