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A Goodreads user asked this question about The Remains of the Day:
So, after finishing the book, there is no doubt that Miss Kenton loved Stevens. My question is why? Stevens doesn't really show traits that I would find lovable, so I was curious as to what Miss Kenton saw in him. I have my own theories, but I would love to hear other viewpoints from the Goodreads Community!
Rick Presley Mr. Stevens is the quintessential unreliable narrator as Michael mentions below. That is the charm of this book. The story is not what Mr. Stevens nar…moreMr. Stevens is the quintessential unreliable narrator as Michael mentions below. That is the charm of this book. The story is not what Mr. Stevens narrates, but he gives us sufficient clues that we can piece together the story.

Consider the death of his father and the emotional conflict to be both a dutiful son and a dutiful butler. It probably broke his heart at the time, but he rationalized it by stating that he did exactly what his father would have expected. His attention to duty was in fact a statement of, "I love you, Father," and Miss Kenton was demonstrably touched by that.

Also, his doubts and misgivings about the intent of the letter show a humanity he is unwilling to reveal himself in all but the most oblique way. This hints at a subtlety worthy of admiration. However, he wears his professionalism as armor that both insulates as well as isolates him. In the case of Miss Kenton, to his own demise, where he holds out a forlorn hope that even now it is not too late to get back together, although, regrettably (for him) it is. And so he puts the armor back on and heads back to what he knows, painful though it may be. (less)
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The Remains of the Day
by Kazuo Ishiguro (Goodreads Author)
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