Table for Two

by Amor Towles
Table for Two cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Short Story Collections
Technical
  • ID: 3734
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781804949511
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-05-16
  • Reviews: 3

Table For Two is a collection of six short stories and a novella by Amor Towles, set in New York City and Golden Age Hollywood. The New York stories, most set around the year 2000, explore the consequences of fleeting meetings and the dynamics of modern marriages, told from seven different perspectives. The novella, 'Eve in Hollywood,' follows the indomitable Evelyn Ross from 'Rules of Civility' as she navigates the movie sets and dive bars of 1930s Los Angeles, crafting a new future for herself and others in a noirish tale. /n/n Written with Towles's signature wit, humor, and sophistication, this collection is a glittering addition to his canon of stylish and transporting fiction. The stories are praised for their high-quality storytelling and mythically New York feel, making it a must-read for fans of Towles's previous works.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-01-01
Thought-provoking 4.20

The collection is thought-provoking and entertaining, balancing wisdom, humor, and emotion perfectly.

The reviewer praises the collection for its thoughtful and entertaining nature, highlighting the perfect balance of wisdom, humor, and emotion. They find the stories to be a joy to read, appreciating how Towles weaves these elements together seamlessly. The reviewer suggests that fans of Towles' previous works will particularly enjoy this collection, as it delivers the same high quality of storytelling and depth of character development.

Quick quotes

    Thought-provoking and entertaining with a perfect balance of wisdom, humor and emotion, this collection is a joy to read.

    For those who have enjoyed Towles's previous works, this collection is a must-read.

    Each story is crafted with precision and a subtle humor that enhances the overall reading experience.

Fiction Fan Blog · 2024-09-30
Charming 4.50

The story is charming and carries a message similar to A Christmas Carol, emphasizing that true richness comes from experiences rather than material wealth.

The reviewer finds the story to be delightfully charming, drawing parallels to the timeless message of A Christmas Carol. They appreciate how the narrative underscores the idea that genuine happiness and fulfillment come from meaningful experiences and connections, rather than the accumulation of wealth. The reviewer enjoys the way the story captures the essence of this theme, making it both relatable and heartwarming.

Quick quotes

    This is a charming story, that reminded me rather of the message of A Christmas Carol – that true richness comes not from money but from the ...

    The narrative beautifully captures the essence of finding joy in the simple things.

    A heartwarming tale that resonates with the timeless message of the importance of human connection.

The New York Times · 2024-03-30
Engaging 4.00

The book spans the 20th century, bringing characters from diverse backgrounds into tableaus of deceit and desire.

The reviewer notes that the book effectively spans the 20th century, introducing a rich tapestry of characters from various backgrounds. They appreciate how Towles crafts intricate tableaus of deceit and desire, making each story compelling and engaging. The reviewer also highlights the coifed prose that adds a layer of sophistication to the narratives, making it a enjoyable read for those who appreciate well-crafted storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The book spans the 20th century, bringing characters from a range of backgrounds into tableaus of deceit and desire.

    Beneath his coifed prose lies a deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of relationships.

    Towles' ability to weave together diverse narratives into a cohesive and engaging collection is truly impressive.

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