I just cannot get over how good this book is.

On the face of it this book is about a stuffy old British butler who goes on a road trip and talks about his life. If you’re used to books with more plot, or you are sick to death of stoic old white guys who can’t feel their feelings, this might be a bit trying. (and many of the one-star reviews of this book would indicate it is VERY trying for a lot of people).

But for me the beauty of this book lies in the spaces between words, in the events that aren't actually described, and in the differences between how the main character believed things should work, versus how he thinks they did work, versus how they actually happened. It is beautifully and subtly crafted and the best kind of fictional writerly magic. One of the best books I’ve ever read.