Amor Towles delights his followers with "Table for Two," a piece containing six wonderful stories set in a 2000s New York City and one interesting novella in the Golden Era of Hollywood. These stories illustrate how trivial coincidences and complexities of contemporary marital relationships can alter the lives of people altogether. "Eve in Hollywood" soars beyond the narrative of the persevering Evelyn Ross in Towles' novel, "Rules of Civility."

Evelyn leaves New York in 1938 and heads for LA. Clueless, she begins an intricate cinematic journey that unfolds through the glamorous and seedy sides of the city, as if in a Hollywood noir. Towles' renowned sense of humor, sophistication, and mastery of storytelling are evident in this interesting addition to his literary portfolio.

The Author

Boston-born author Towles received an MA in English from Standford University. Following a successful two-decade investment career, he now dedicates himself to full-time writing and currently lives with his family in Manhattan. He has penned several literary works, including "Rules of Civility," "A Gentleman in Moscow," and "The Lincoln Highway," as well as the collection "Table for Two," which have gained him much fame.

These titles have sold over six million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages, demonstrating Towles' status as an internationally renowned writer.

Navigating New York and Los Angeles

As The New York Times claimed, From the untamed NYC streets to the sophisticated LA scene, Towles uses his expertise to carry the readers through the stories of deceit, desire, and human connections. To start the collection, the narrator explores the settings in New York. There are stories about dreams, lies, and the charm of the city's perpetual dynamic landscape.

Characters range from a naive communist navigating Manhattan's con games to a rare book dealer with a penchant for manipulating his young assistant. Each story offers a snapshot of a different era, complete with historical references that anchor the narratives in time.

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Eve in Hollywood: A Noir Novella

According to Kirkus Reviews, the main highlight of the collection is "Eve in Hollywood." This narrative pays homage to the cinema noir genre. It features Evelyn Ross, a character readers may recognize from "Rules of Civility."

While having a key-point feature like a face-scar and bold personality, Evelyn adds another name to her list in the gossipy scene with her celebrity friend, Olivia de Havilland. As she crawls through the thorns of Hollywood but takes advantage of the opportunities it brings, Evelyn develops herself as a femme fatale with a conscience who saves reputations and outwits villains.

An Assortment of Unlikely Encounters

Beyond the novella, Towles treats readers to short stories showcasing his knack for crafting unlikely encounters and unexpected outcomes. From a used bookseller and a young forger falsifying signatures of famous authors to travelers stranded at an airport grappling with personal demons, each story is a testament to Towles' storytelling prowess. His flawed yet endearing characters grapple with moral dilemmas and life's unpredictabilities, making for a sneakily entertaining read.

Final Thoughts

The book is not just a compilation of stories; it is a veritable literary banquet that enlightens its readers about the human mind. Towles' unique writing style, imbued with wit and subtle irony and endowed with deep philosophical insights, brings forth an extraordinarily compelling storyline that stays with you for a long time, even after the last page is read.

Whether it is the lure of money, the deepness of human relationships, or the uncertainty of success, Towles shows us the old truths that remain the same for every single one of us.

In "Table for Two," Towles serves up a cocktail of stories that is as intoxicating as it is insightful, reaffirming his status as a master storyteller and leaving readers eagerly awaiting his next literary offering.

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