Table for Two by Amor Towles

*** Review ***

From the very first page of Table for Two by Amor Towles, I was captivated by the remarkable ability of Towles to transport his readers to a different time and place. This collection, comprising six short stories set in New York City and a novella set in Los Angeles, is a testament to Towles’s extraordinary talent for creating rich, immersive worlds and compelling characters.

Amor Towles, known for his bestselling works The Lincoln Highway, A Gentleman in Moscow, and Rules of Civility, delivers once again with Table for Two. Each story in this collection is a meticulously crafted narrative, filled with Towles’s signature wit, humor, and sophistication. The stories are set around the turn of the millennium and cover a variety of themes from the dynamics of modern marriages to the fleeting yet profound impacts of brief encounters.

One of the greatest strengths of Table for Two is Towles’s masterful world-building. As I read through the stories, I felt as though I had taken a whirlwind trip through Moscow, New York, and Hollywood. I stood in line for rations with a kind man in Moscow, experienced the glitz and the shadows of Hollywood in the 1930s, and explored the art world in New York. Towles has a unique ability to create a sense of place that is so vivid and detailed, it feels like you are right there with the characters.

The collection opens with “The Line,” a story set in 1920s Moscow that I had read previously and found just as moving the second time around. This story beautifully captures the connections people make during hardships, as we follow Pushkin waiting in line for rations. The nod to Rules of Civility in this story was a delightful touch, adding an extra layer of depth for those familiar with Towles’s earlier work.

Another standout story for me was “The DiDomenico Fragment,” which I had listened to before and thoroughly enjoyed reading. This tale delves into the dark side of the art world through the eyes of a has-been art dealer and his precocious great-nephew. Towles’s ability to create endearing and memorable characters is on full display here.

However, the highlight of the collection is undoubtedly the novella, “Eve in Hollywood.” Revisiting Evelyn Ross from Rules of Civility, we follow her as she crafts a new future for herself in 1930s Hollywood. The novella is rich with intriguing characters, including an aging actor, a retired police detective, and a savvy stuntman, all of whom are touched by Eve’s presence. Towles’s portrayal of Hollywood’s golden age, complete with a cameo by a famous actress from “Gone with the Wind,” adds a fascinating historical layer to the narrative.

Towles’s versatility as a writer is evident throughout Table for Two. Each story stands alone, yet they are connected by common themes of human connection and the pivotal moments that occur when two people sit across from each other at a table. Whether it’s a table for two in a Moscow queue, a New York café, or a Hollywood diner, these moments are where the direction of the characters’ futures often hinges on what they say next.

The stories are not only rich in setting and character but also in the exploration of human nature. Towles delves into themes of ambition, guilt, friendship, and the delicate mechanics of relationships. His keen observation of human behavior and his ability to capture the essence of humanity make these stories both thought-provoking and entertaining.

One of the few critiques I have of Table for Two is the inherent limitation of the short story format. Just as I found myself fully invested in a character or storyline, the story would end, leaving me wanting more. This was particularly true for stories like “The Line” and “The Ballad of Timothy Touchett,” where I wanted to follow the characters further on their journeys.

Despite this, the collection remains a joy to read. Towles’s humor and charm permeate the stories, providing a perfect balance of wisdom, emotion, and entertainment. Table for Two is a testament to Towles’s masterful storytelling and literary craftsmanship. For those who have enjoyed his previous works, this collection will not disappoint. And for new readers, it serves as a perfect introduction to the world of Amor Towles.

In conclusion, Table for Two is a delightful journey through time and place, showcasing Towles’s talent for creating memorable characters and vivid settings. Each story is a gem, and together they form a glittering collection that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any reader. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Towles’s work, this book is a must-read.