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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I loved this exploration of NYC during a period brimming with elegance, ambition, and an unmistakable vibrancy. Towles' depiction of the city transports readers to a time when New York was characterized not by the ubiquity of Duane Reade stores but by the glamour of jazz clubs, refined social gatherings, and the undercurrents of ambition that defined its residents.
The novel centers on Katey Kontent, a sharp and ambitious young woman navigating the complexities of Manhattan's social scene. Through Katey's eyes, Towles paints a vivid picture of a city alive with possibilities, where chance encounters in smoky jazz clubs or at elegant parties could lead to life-altering friendships and romances.
This New York is one of hidden speakeasies, clandestine love affairs, and a relentless pursuit of the American Dream—a stark contrast to the homogenized cityscape dominated by convenience stores and corporate chains seen today.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Rules of Civility" is its ability to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. Towles' New York is a place of dreams, where the city's underbelly thrums with an exciting and sometimes dangerous energy. The narrative is infused with a longing for a bygone era, offering readers a glimpse into the gritty yet glamorous life of the city's past. The characters are richly drawn, their interactions and evolutions reflecting the complexities of the time.
The novel's prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the city in a way that makes it feel both grand and intimate. Towles' attention to detail and his ability to create vivid, atmospheric scenes allow readers to immerse themselves fully in Katey's world. The story's progression, marked by moments of joy, heartbreak, and discovery, mirrors the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of the city itself.
The novel centers on Katey Kontent, a sharp and ambitious young woman navigating the complexities of Manhattan's social scene. Through Katey's eyes, Towles paints a vivid picture of a city alive with possibilities, where chance encounters in smoky jazz clubs or at elegant parties could lead to life-altering friendships and romances.
This New York is one of hidden speakeasies, clandestine love affairs, and a relentless pursuit of the American Dream—a stark contrast to the homogenized cityscape dominated by convenience stores and corporate chains seen today.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Rules of Civility" is its ability to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. Towles' New York is a place of dreams, where the city's underbelly thrums with an exciting and sometimes dangerous energy. The narrative is infused with a longing for a bygone era, offering readers a glimpse into the gritty yet glamorous life of the city's past. The characters are richly drawn, their interactions and evolutions reflecting the complexities of the time.
The novel's prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the city in a way that makes it feel both grand and intimate. Towles' attention to detail and his ability to create vivid, atmospheric scenes allow readers to immerse themselves fully in Katey's world. The story's progression, marked by moments of joy, heartbreak, and discovery, mirrors the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of the city itself.
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've read all 3 of his books and can safely say that he is one of my favorite authors. His books are so profound and thoughtful and just beautifully written.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
DNF’d, which I’m beating myself up about because I adored AGIM, but I just can’t get invested in the characters here. It’s beautifully - stunningly - written, but every time I start to get emotionally invested in a characters plot, that road ends for them and they’re moving on to something new. And I realize that’s partly the point, but it doesn’t hold my attention.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
