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5.04.2012

A Review: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles


"Uncompromising purpose and the search for eternal truth have an unquestionable sex appeal for the young and high-minded; but when a person loses the ability to take pleasure in the mundane-- in the cigarette on the stoop or the gingersnap in the bath--she has probably put herself in unnecessary danger."

I don't remember where I first saw this novel mentioned, and I'm not really sure what urged me to request it at the library, but I did. And my reading life has been all the better.

I managed to polish off Rules of Civility in an afternoon and a half. However, I can't fully attribute this quickness to the time I had available, but to the ease and cleverness of the novel itself.

Katey and Evey decide to spend that last night of 1937 in a nearly deserted jazz club. When they encounter the handsome, Tinker Grey, with his tailored suit and sparkling blue eyes, their lives are changed forever. Befriending the ivy league, well-to-do banker, they form a friendship while carousing their way through New York City. When they're involved in an automobile accident that leaves Evey almost dead and slightly scarred, the trio is broken and the story begins. Crashing extravagant parties, dating multi-millionaires, and busting behind at Conde Nast are just small snippets of Katey's fabulous life.

I was really captivated by the story for a number of reasons. Katey's character was perceptive and intelligent. A character I could imagine sharing an entire afternoon of uninterrupted, and oh-so-enjoyable, people watching. She was quick, but quiet, and could blend in with a crowd. She was determined and hardworking and knew how to party. There were other members that lacked as much color, but didn't diminish my thoughts of the novel as a whole. Tinker, for example, was a little grey (no pun intended), but really worked within the story, considering the situation we find him in.

Katey's new acquaintances, the cream of the crop, and wealthy beyond measure, are obsessed with living, the opportunities endless. She finds that despite her frugal background, she too, shares these desires. It's not so much a coming-of-age story, but a look back on the youthful years of adult life, getting a secure job, spending many hours in the company of a group of fun loving people, a time when hours don't matter and bedtimes don't exist. It's the promises of success and the endless possibilities spread out before your young life. However, it's also about remembering yourself and the things you want from life.

On the surface, Rules of Civility is a love story with many twists and turns. The audience witnesses the secrets that remain behind closed doors in a city that's always buzzing. The writing was beautiful and astute. The cast of characters may come and go, but I feel that it really worked to create a vibrant New York City on paper. The glitz and glam of New York Society during this period was really interesting and so much fun to read. While I'm not entirely convinced Katey could have been so easily incorporated into these circles, considering her background, which was so markedly different, it wasn't so far-fetched that it took away from the novel. An enjoyable read about a period just after the Depression and before the second world war-- a time so often forgotten. I strongly encourage you to pick this one up if you've had interest at all. You won't regret it!


18 comments:

  1. Yet another that's been on my list for some time - this makes me want to move it to the top!

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    1. Anne,
      You must do so. I was completely taken with the novel from the first few sentences. Let me know what you think when you do!

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  2. I've had my eye on this one and after reading your review I want to read it even more. Can we also talking about how great the cover is? I want to be that woman reclining on a lawn chair having cocktails with a handsome man dressed in a suit circa 1940's.

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    1. Brenna,
      I was actually thinking of you when I read this one. I think you'll really enjoy it. The story is a bit melodramatic at times, but I loved it nonetheless. It's almost like a fairytale of the glam sort. Yes, the cover art is amazing. I was really surprised to find that it was the author's first novel!

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  3. I also really liked this book! I feel like the author tried overly hard in places to be witty. However, I always like reading about female characters that are ambitious and career oriented. Yes, it's a love story (of sorts), but it's primarily about Katey's journey as a woman in a very interesting point in history.

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    1. Natalie,
      I agree about the primary focus of the book. I didn't notice the stress of wit, but perhaps I was too engrossed in everything else to notice. I definitely loved Katey's character for the most part.

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  4. I've been meaning to read this one since before it came out. Thanks for reminding me about it!

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    1. If you need a little break from the long list, definitely give this a shot!

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  5. I've owned this for a while but wasn't sure if I would like it. From the sound of your review Beth, I definitely would!

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    1. Sam,
      Yes, I think you'll enjoy it. I hope, anyway. It's really just fun!

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  6. I got this book for Christmas but haven't gotten around to it yet. Your review makes me more excited to read - so I guess I need to make it a priority :) You've had some great reads recently!

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    1. Hannah,
      Yes! I really loved it. I really think it's a great beach read with much more substance. Let me know if you decide to pick it up soon.

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  7. I think I first saw this one on Dead White Guys. It sounds very Fitzgerald-y and he is one of my favorite writers. :)

    Isn't it the best when a book just flows and you speed through it?

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    1. I need to reread some Fitzgerald; it's been so long. I definitely thought about that while reading it. I was lucky enough to go through a reading frenzy and was speeding through everything I picked up. So much so that I'm so far behind on reviews. Oh well.. life happens!

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  8. I loved this book too - so happy to see it get the following it deserves. Jazz, martini`s, New York, 1930' sdoesn't get much better really :-)

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  9. Oh yes! I really loved the atmosphere and was dreaming of her life. Really enjoyed this one!

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  10. i've seen this title on several lists - your recommend puts it officially on my to read pinterest board.

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    1. I loved loved loved The Rules of Civility. Please let me know what you think!

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