The Remains of the Day by Kazou Ishiguro
Stevens, a butler at Darlington Hall in the countryside of England, recounts his memories from a lifetime of dignified work as he takes a scenic drive to see an old colleague. That’s it. That’s the plot of the book. It may not seem like much but the real story of who Stevens is, and his life’s work, is filled with interactions so remarkably rich that you just may come away with a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that when I first started reading The Remains of the Day, I got about 40 pages in before it really dawned on me that each interaction Ishaguro lays out is laced with the subtlest notes of uncertainty, the tension of what's left unsaid, and ultimately how our memories of the past can be muddled with the facts we face in the present.
Which is why The Butler’s Reserve is the perfect match for this read. A refined drink that echoes back to the elegance of an English countryside manor with the unexpected complexity of flavor that is reminiscent of the relationships throughout Stevens’ decorated career. And much like Stevens’ demeanor, this drink shows restraint with dry gin and sherry, a refreshing hint in the floral elderflower that brings softness and balance, and a dash of bitterness from the realities of regret.
But Stevens’ experience is only part of the story.
Enter Miss Kenton and her zero-proof pairing: The Orchard Rest. In The Remains of the Day, Miss Kenton is Stevens’ long-time colleague at Darlington Hall and closest friend. She gives all that Stevens’ can’t. She’s the warmth to his cool demeanor, the emotional perceptiveness to his matter-of-fact ways, and the rebellion to his order. Where Stevens’ is devoted to a life of dignified work, Miss Kenton dreams of a simpler life and catering to a family of her own. The Orchard Rest signifies just that. Miss Kenton’s comforting and maternal ways feel like chamomile and honey paired with her bite of personality, like a tart apple.
Together The Butler’s Rest and The Orchard Bloom tell a story of contrasting characters who can fit perfectly with each other.
Ultimately, The Remains of the Day is a profound story about coming into the twilight of our lives only to discover our purpose may not be what we thought it was. Ishaguro tells Stevens’ life story with masterful restraint and a complex understanding that shows the real story of our lives is often found in what’s left unsaid.
