The Remains of the Day

Yes, I've read a novel despite the big As looming ahead. But i do not bear any slightest bit of regret. It has been a long time since i've last read a novel and to read one again is indeed refreshing. While non fiction can amaze you with plain facts and truths, fiction grounds you by sharing of the ordeals each character had to go through. In other words, fiction, with its personal touch, ironically brings one back to reality. Every trait each character displays reminds me of the behaviour of the people in my life. Their dilemmas are surprisingly familiar in spite of the varied contexts. And so the characters' reactions, though not real, provoke thought and scrutiny. How would i have behaved in that instance? Therein lies the beauty of novels, it draws out time for personal introspection on matters we would scarcely reflect on if not for experiences undergone or shared. 

Of course, fiction isn't the only source for contemplation. Yet somehow, I find that these stories evoke a stronger emotion in me than in real life examples for reflection. Perhaps biographies or autobiographies don't paint a picture that permits readers to truly read into the person. And thus, maybe that lacks a degree of depth in the heart of matters. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains the Day. The novel was paced comfortably, had its scenic landscapes well described, the characters were developed clearly and the story is tragic. Tragic may be a little harsh to some but to me, it is a tragic tale. In living a life of dignity and servitude, the main character of the story, Mr Stevens, sacrificed love and emotion. The action of denying your life of emotion for work, is something i cannot understand. It seems so heartless and inhumane to always deal with other in such a manner. Yet many struggle to find the need to fulfill the emotional aspect of their lives. Is it the rat race we always mention? Maybe it is but i gather that the problem is the common misconception that the work we do will eventually stop on its own. And that is supposed to signal the need to move on to other areas in life. The problem is, time waits for no one. By the time we realise we can't segment life in time frames, we are left to feel saddened by the fact that we can't reverse time. And in that sense, we'll be left to feel as Mr Stevens did. Though he didn't exactly express regret, it was apparent that he was bothered by those major turning points in his life. Those seemingly insignificant moments which led to unexpected consequences. 

Thus, as church leaders invariably counsel, live your life to the fullest, Be grateful and  find joy in the journey. I find this Harold Hill quote mentioned by President Thomas S Monson rather apt "You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find out you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays." Yes, now this all means that i need to accelerate for the As!