Loved Downton Abbey? You will love this book!

This is an awesome, well-written and insightful book and I loved it! It’s not for everyone. It’s slower moving and subtle. It’s a love story — or rather a story of missed opportunities. If you loved Downton Abbey, this book is for you. If you’re looking for fast-paced action, this book is not for you.

The story is told in the first person, narrated by Mr. Stevens, the long-serving butler of Darlington Hall. Stevens journeys through the southern part of Britain to meet up with Miss Kenton (now Mrs Benn), his former colleague whom he understands to be in the process of divorcing. He hopes to entice Miss Kenton to return to her employment at Darlington Hall … and yet the observant reader can see that it is not merely her professional association that Stevens seeks.

As he travels, Stevens shares his reflections on a life of unquestioning loyal service to Lord Darlington during the pre-World War II era. Stevens is quintessentially British: he never flinches in his loyalty and his commitment to appearance and professionalism, even when it comes at great personal cost. Even when it is progressively revealed that Lord Darlington was a Nazi-sympathizer, still Stevens remains loyal to his master, in whom he always sees, and of whom he always believes, the best.

Running throughout the text is the story of the developing relationship between Stevens and the housekeeper, Miss Kenton. They clash and yet they connect on a deeper level. There’s something special there. Almost.

[Spoiler alert] When Stevens finally connects with Miss Kenton, they reminisce together on old times. Poignantly, Stevens asks her if she is happy. Yes, she is happy and yet she is not because she sees what might have been:

“But that doesn’t mean to say, of course, there aren’t occasions now and then – extremely desolate occasions – when you think to yourself: “What a terrible mistake I’ve made with my life.” And you get to thinking about a different life, a better life you might have had. For instance, I get to thinking about a life I may have had with you, Mr. Stevens.”

The words touch Mr. Stevens and he states: “as you might appreciate, their implications were such as to provoke a certain degree of sorrow within me. Indeed – why should I not admit it? – at that moment, my heart was breaking.”

And yet, ever the stiff-upper-lip Brit, Stevens concludes he must go on “and try to make the best of what remains of my day.”

It’s compelling, it’s powerful, and it will make you think about what matters in life and how to make it count.