Amor Towles is one of my must-read authors, and this book did not disappoint. I usually don’t choose short stories, and I almost never like novellas (too short), but if it’s Amor Towles, how can I resist? And I urge you to read this collection – it’s as good as everything else he’s published.

Written in his distinctive style – clever, observant, witty, and ironic – these six short stories are the perfect length to describe and explain the situation and characters. Then comes Towles’ signature twist ending – leaving me wanting to reread the story I just finished, now that I know where it’s going to end up.

And the novella, a continuation of Towles’ Rules of Civility character Evelyn Ross as she gets off the train in Hollywood, is another well-crafted tale. It takes its time introducing characters and polishing the plot, and is told from several different characters’ points of view. But the story comes together in a clever and ironic conclusion with twist after twist.

Put your name on that library waiting list, or buy a copy – this is a must read! ( )

Wonderful short stories and a very old time Hollywood novella. A real delight ( )

A terrific collection of short stories, and Eve’s novella at the end was also an absolute blast.

The top three short stories (in my opinion) were The Line, The ballad of Timothy Touchett, and Hasta Luego.

Take your time and don’t read the entire book in one go (let the stories wash over you!)

I’ll read anything Towles ever writes, and so should you. ( )

When I saw that Amor Towles had a new book coming out this year, I had to read it. This book is made up of six short stories and one novella which continues the story of Evelyn Ross who we met in Towles' first novel-Rules of Civility. I have found previously that authors who write noteworthy short stories, don't usually write novels (ie: Alice Munro). I love Amor Towles' writing skills, and I wondered how these skills would translate to the short story format. Well I needn't have worried. These stories are each gems in their own right. Towles's remarkable writing skills bring each story to life . The short stories are all set in New York City and mostly take place around the year 2000. The Los Angeles novella is set in Los Angeles, and in particular Hollywood during the early 1950's. I loved all the stories, but my favourite was The Bootlegger, and it clearly depicts how one man can influence another man’s grieving process. Tommy, the young banker and Mr. Fein the old man are put together side by side in the New York Metropolitan Theatre for concert performances, and what happens there changes Tommy's life forever. Following is an excerpt from this beautiful story:
"Yes, the music was ascending, and we were ascending with it. First slowly, almost patiently, but then with greater speed and urgency, imagining now for every one instance, and now for another, that we have reached the plateau, only for the music to take us higher still, beyond the realm in which climbing can occur, beyond the realm, in which one looks down at the ground, beyond hope and aspiration into the realm of joy where all that is possible lies before us." The Bootlegger by Amor Towles.

It takes a great writer to write an unforgettable novel but it takes an even greater writer to craft a perfect short story. These six stories are each perfect in their own right. The story about Evelyn was enjoyable in its own right, and it is peopled with lots of familiar names from Old Hollywood. We see how Evelyn ended up in Hollywood when she was heading home to Chicago. We see how her quick thinking and indomitable spirit push the novella forward. The dialogue is succinct and descriptive, and the cadence of the story increases the sense of urgency. I can't recommend this book enough. ( )

Brilliant author. ( )