Rules of Civility
Towles, AmorFrom its opening in a Greenwich Village jazz bar on New Year's Eve 1937, to a photo exhibition of the Museum of Modern Art in 1966, this is a story of New York: chance encounters, dazzling possibilities and a society in transition. At its heart is the ambitious and upwardly mobile Katy Kontent, daughter of Russian immigrants and ready for all that the city offers.
With links to George Washington's 'Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation', it is a witty and stylish observation of New York society, the randomness of chance and the off-hand decisions that shape our lives.
Comments from Groups
We all thoroughly enjoyed this book. "Elegant and captivating." We liked Katey Kontent and enjoyed her journey to the "upper echelons of New York Society". A clever and intelligently written book. Wellington 041Very interesting book. Many found the characters unlikeable but on the whole the atmosphere of inner New York and its young people on the make was fascinating; characters full of surprises. We felt the writing was obviously male despite the feminine protagonist. Christchurch 203 This was an amazingly interesting book. Everyone really enjoyed the descriptions of the era - the "artsy" living and Katey's ability to move from one milieu to the other. The writing style was compelling - the characterisations were very easy to understand and some, like Dickie, the epitome of a gentleman. Highly recommended if you like the thirties. Napier 023 Superb read, enjoyed by all of our group. Feels like an American classic. Brilliant and satisfying especially as it is a first novel. Auckland 027
Pages
392
392
Year
2011
2011
Reviews
16-11-2023
Great read. Interesting era. Great author. Still liked 'Gentleman in Moscow' more!
03-05-2023
We all loved this book and its portrayal of New York in the 30s. His witty writing style makes you read every sentence in case you miss something. His characters are well fleshed out, you either love or dislike them. We agreed that it was a well-written story for Towles' 1st book. Having said that, we agreed that 'Gentleman in Moscow' was a winner.
19-01-2023
Most enjoyed, some VERY much. Some found it a bit pointless. Generally a good read.
19-01-2023
Most loved the elegant, and often humorous writing. Mostly the story of Katy, a witty and talented young woman with a great intellect, on her journey in search of a better future. Also loved reading the 'Rules of Civility' at the back of the book.
19-01-2023
Some found it a little slow, but generally enjoyed this read.
19-01-2023
We love his witty and sarcastic turn of phrase, and we enjoyed this book immensely. Very reminiscent of the 1930s.
19-01-2023
Well-written. Some found it hard to grasp an overall 'plot'. The discussion found hidden depths we would have missed otherwise.
19-01-2023
Thank you - most of the group loved this book!
19-01-2023
We deemed this worthy of a re-read. Unpredictable plot, wonderful writing.
19-01-2023
The book was enhanced by our discussion, as it was a difficult read.
19-01-2023
We enjoyed the 1920s style of the book, but felt the story lacked 'punch'. It meandered and didn't really go anywhere.
12-04-2022
There was a mixed response to this book. We had all enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow by the same author but found that this book did not have as much depth, nor were the characters as well developed. Nevertheless, the book generated an interesting discussion about aspirations, class, chance, and fate. Many of Towle's exquisite turns of phrase were a delight.
15-04-2021
A most enjoyable book. A great depth of characters that held the interest and showed the foibles of the 30s. Well-written and the photos added to the era they lived in.