The story is structured as a road trip, that Mr Stevens, the main character, takes. He has flashbacks of his life starting from the late 1920s, but most especially dwells on his service as a butler between the two World Wars in the 1930s when it is revealed that his employer, Lord Darlington, was a Nazi sympathizer. Towards the end of his life, and after Lord Darlington has passed away, Stevens examines his life and his belief in the "perfect butler."
I have actually not read this book before, but I've seen the film. The book is really good. As a librarian for architecture (one of the subjects I cover), I've gotten a few research questions over the last few years about the English country house, which I have to admit I have more of an appreciation for since I saw the film with Anthony Hopkins in. I also watched a PBS reality show called Manor House http://www.pbs.org/manorhouse/edwardianlife/introduction.html a few years ago, and saw some episodes of Downton Abbey. Of course, that was the heyday of the English country house. The real-time of the novel, is set during the decline of the country house. I recall a great quote from Manor House made the by the butler. The class system of the country house worked, and worked efficiently, "but at a cost of close personal relationships."
As times are changing, including what is expected of butlers, Stevens ponders the idea of "bantering," as his new employer seems to want a less formal relationship with him and this practice, which Stevens has great difficulty with, seems to hold the key.
