zarahdrum 's review for:

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

3.25

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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The writing style of this book was both comical and eccentric and its characters enjoyable. Nevertheless none of the characters, whilst interesting, were as convincing or as lovable as those in Amor Towels other book, ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’. Similarly while the historical backdrop of 1930s New York was entertaining, it didn’t have the same thrilling importance that Moscow had in his other novel. That being said I enjoyed that this book was less predictable than I initially thought it would be, the plot moves around enough to keep you engaged but perhaps at the cost of any really in depth  studies of relationships between the protagonist and other characters. In the first quarter of the novel it seems like we are building up to understand the main character’s seemingly complex  with her roommate and friend Eve, but after so many anecdotes and building, this relationship drops off without much follow up or reflection which was a little frustrating. Finally, while I love a story led by a sardonic and driven independent woman, some of Katey’s life experiences as a young single working (non upper class) woman feel pretty out of step with reality (the lack of condescending sexism from anyone in her life). Overall I would say if you enjoy a light read set in 30s New York this is still a fun (holiday?) read.