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“A butler of any quality must be seem to inhabit his role, utterly and fully.”

“ I can’t even say I made my own mistakes…. What dignity is there in that?”

Winner of the Booker Prize 1989. The author also won the Nobel prize for literature.

A story of the English butler, told in the backdrop between WWI and WWII and the interactions of English nobility with German leaders.

A book of self reflection. What makes a great butler? Is the triumph of doing one’s duty enough? Does the belief in class and the superiority of the noble class of English gentlemen create blind spots and misplaced trust? Can you measure your life through the decisions of someone else? What about the road not take, and love not pursued? Brilliantly written.

5 stars. Recommended read.