REMAINS OF THE DAY

It has been long time since I wrote last. A lot has transpired in between. I have started office ( still can't believe). There have been moments in between, like first salary, first relationship, first break-up...actually when I look back there have been lot of firsts. But nothing stands out in my memory. I don't think its memory loss or rather loss of significant memories. But lately I have been pondering on lot of things and started spending more time with books. May be because deep down I feel lonely and feel at least books won't betray me or perhaps its longing for a relationship.
During my this study phase I came across this book "remains of the day" by ishiguro. Well I noticed this book at a fair, and to be frank with you, did not think I will end-up buying it. Primarily because it was Booker Prize winner and thought it will go over my head. But on the contrary I found it really interesting and more importantly could understand what author is trying to convey.
This book is my first of ishiguro novels. I must say he has written and conveyed some beautiful concepts about life in a very simple and tangible way. The story is about an english butler who serves at a very distinguished house-hold. His previous master, to whom he served most of his life, has passed away and has been taken over by some american business-man. He has gone out for 2 weeks and recommends to Mr. Steven( the butler) to take a motoring trip and see the beautiful english country-side.
During this trip he between beautiful places, he has time to introspect and think over the past moments and decisions he has taken. During this time he relives his past memories. Why he behaved in a particular way, why he chose the way he did. What would have been different otherwise and sort of things.
He tells about his previous master, his greatness and how people mis-understood him towards the end. But he remained loyal and did his duty to the best of his ability. He tries to justify and convince the reader about his situation and in that way how he has served humanity. There is a very engaging discussion about what makes a butler a 'great' butler, for that matter what makes a person a great person. Then towards the end sitting on a bench a short discussion makes him realize, that he should stop looking back and try to live in the present.
The novel is written in a very simple but elegant language with beautiful flow of ideas. It almost looks like the beautiful concepts are somewhere hidden in those natural beauties and you have to go there and spend some time with them and yourself to uncover the truth for you.