This is excellent - for a verbal review it is exceptional - but then that applies to all of your reviews. Very interesting, the way you relate your own experience to the book.
Glad you liked it! I'm always uncertain whether to tie it in with my own experiences since I don't want them to overpower the book itself, but I think the way our own experiences intersect with what we read is one of the reasons we love reading in the first place, and it makes each book a little different for each person, or even for the same person reading at different times.
I appreciate the mention, it was very kind! The comparison to a student who sees themselves as academically successful, yet whose success might be instead the culmination of several secondary factors instead of a core identity feels oddly appropriate here, and really hits close to home. This was really insightful and incisive review, and I hope it makes it way to the top of the search list when people search for the novel here. And just to make sure that happens: thumbs up. :) Thanks for putting all your continued effort into these!
Nice work. Totally agree on the two clunky parts of the book. I had expected Stevens to some to a realisation of Darlington's delusions in the end, but would have preferred a smoother transition vs the sudden reveals we had. But you're right, it is a great book overall, and we nitpick.
This is excellent - for a verbal review it is exceptional - but then that applies to all of your reviews. Very interesting, the way you relate your own experience to the book.
Glad you liked it! I'm always uncertain whether to tie it in with my own experiences since I don't want them to overpower the book itself, but I think the way our own experiences intersect with what we read is one of the reasons we love reading in the first place, and it makes each book a little different for each person, or even for the same person reading at different times.
@@mikegseclecticreads Steven’s is a butler - but Bunter is valet or manservant to Lord Peter.
I appreciate the mention, it was very kind! The comparison to a student who sees themselves as academically successful, yet whose success might be instead the culmination of several secondary factors instead of a core identity feels oddly appropriate here, and really hits close to home. This was really insightful and incisive review, and I hope it makes it way to the top of the search list when people search for the novel here. And just to make sure that happens: thumbs up. :) Thanks for putting all your continued effort into these!
Glad you liked it, and thanks for giving me that final push to read this one!
Mike, thanks a lot for such a wonderful detailed review!
Nice work. Totally agree on the two clunky parts of the book. I had expected Stevens to some to a realisation of Darlington's delusions in the end, but would have preferred a smoother transition vs the sudden reveals we had. But you're right, it is a great book overall, and we nitpick.