Rules of Civility

by Amor Towles
Rules of Civility cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1291
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9781444708868
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-07-21
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

On New Year's Eve 1937, Katey Kontent finds herself in a jazz bar, making the most of her limited funds. A serendipitous meeting with a handsome banker opens doors to the upper echelons of New York society, introducing her to a world of opulence and sophistication. As she navigates this new environment, Katey discovers the intricate rules that govern these circles and the precarious nature of wealth and status. Amor Towles, the acclaimed author of A Gentleman in Moscow, crafts a captivating tale that blends historical detail with a compelling narrative. His writing has been praised for its effortless elegance and masterful storytelling, making Rules of Civility a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Reviews
Lit&leisure · 2017-09-01
excellent 5.00

This book is a standout read, with a protagonist whose journey is both compelling and thought-provoking. The historical details and setting make it a rich and immersive experience.

They absolutely loved this book, calling it one of the best they've read. The reviewer appreciated the rich historical details and the immersive setting of New York City. The protagonist's journey is compelling and thought-provoking, making it a standout read. They also enjoyed the sharp dialogue and the way the story captures the essence of the era.

Quick quotes

    This will likely be the best book I read in 2017.

    I adored A Gentleman in Moscow, and people warned me that Rules of Civility is very different.

    And while they are very different, I loved this book just as much.

The New York Times · 2011-08-12
engaging 3.50

The novel follows a protagonist through a transformative year, filled with richly drawn settings and sharp dialogue. The story captures the essence of the era and the complexity of human relationships.

They found the novel to be a rich and engaging read, with a protagonist whose journey is both compelling and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciated the sharp dialogue and the way the story captures the essence of the era. The settings are vividly drawn, and the exploration of human relationships adds depth to the narrative. However, they noted that the protagonist's lack of sexual encounters undermines her femininity, which was a point of criticism.

Quick quotes

    The novel follows Katey through 1938 as her friends and circumstances shift, and as social masks rise, fall and rise again.

    The great strength of Rules of Civility is in the richly drawn settings and sharp dialogue.

    But Katey's femaleness is undermined by the fact that she never thinks about sex, never has to resist it and never encounters it.

The Guardian · Viv Groskop · 2011-07-15
nostalgic 4.00

A captivating tale that feels like it could be adapted into a classic New York film, filled with rich imagery and a sense of nostalgia. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and thought-provoking.

This reviewer found the novel to be a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling. The setting and characters are vividly brought to life, making it feel like a classic New York tale. They appreciated the protagonist's journey and the way it captures the essence of the city during that era. However, they also noted that the pace can be slow at times, but it's a thoughtful and engaging read overall.

Quick quotes

    Amor Towles's tale of cocktails, silk stockings and retro chic is redolent of all the best New York films and novels.

    Viv Groskop.

    The protagonist's journey is both compelling and thought-provoking.

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