Ok, being once again overcome with remorse with my flippant treatment
of my tiny corner of cyberspace, when so many others are being diligent, I’ll
try (once again) to fill the gaping void left by my absence. Stop snickering.
Rules of Civility
By Amor Towles
If I came back in another life as a writer, I think I want
to write like Mr. Towles. I could never
aspire to anything so grandiose as Tolkien, or Tolstoy, nor could I ever have
the sheer intellect necessary for greats like Clive Staples, or the gentle
whimsy Mr. Dahl. But Mr. Towles, now, he’s
a fellow after my own heart; clear, incisive, witty and warm, with a bit of
snark and sass to boot. To wit: “As a quick aside, let me observe that in
moments of high emotion- whether they’re triggered by anger or envy,
humiliation or resentment-if the next thing you’re going to say makes you feel
better, than it’s probably the wrong thing to say.”
I may need to have that particular quote ensconced on my
desk…facing me, of course.
Rules of Civility was
all the rage a few months back, and I heard about through one of my favorite ‘I’m-bored-find-me-a-good-sounding-book’
sites...NPR Books. The story of a young
girl trying to make good in the big city is a often a fun read, and when that
story features a fun-loving roommate, a tender-hearted heartthrob and underground
bars of the 1930’s, so much the better.
Mr. Towles’ tale is told from the point of view of 25 year
old Katy Kontent, and we are quickly immersed in her life…such as it is. Katy is very bright young woman, taking
advantage of every opportunity available to her in her young life. That is to say, she is a typist in a
multi-bodied secretarial pool, noted for her attention to detail, and desire to
succeed. She shares a mediocre flat with
Eve, a mid-west debutante, bent on throwing off the yoke of wealth, beauty and
privilege, forced upon her by birth.
Would that I were so smitten.
“Looking at Eve
asleep, I wondered what the hell was going on.
How did she end up drunk in an alley?
What happened to her shoes? And
where was Tinker? Whatever their story,
Eve was breathing easy now- for the moment forgetful, vulnerable, at
peace. It’s a purposeful irony of life,
I suppose, that we never get to see ourselves in that state. We can only pay witness to our waking
reflection, which to one degree or another is always fretting or afraid. Maybe that’s why young parents find it so
beguiling to spy on their children when they’re fast asleep. “
Katy and Eve hit the town on New Year’s Eve 1938, with a
strictly budgeted plan for libations which goes quickly awry. Happily,
they encounter Tinker, a debonair, suavely dressed young bachelor who is happy
to help them out of their poorly budgeted evening. The three go on to form an intricate
connection, wildly different, but strongly experienced on all sides. Their story spans only one calendar year, but
it’s filled to the brim with contrasts; ten cent gin and glistening champagne,
drunks on the street and dinner parties in the penthouses, true friendships and
shams. Each character bears a bit
closer scrutiny, from the humble but strong Katy to the beautiful Eve, to the
smartly groomed Tinker.
Will this book change your life? Probably not. Will it upend your view of society and redefine
your entire belief system? No. Will it
fit snugly in the crook of your thumb, draw you in so you can smell the cigars
and gin, and leave you with the too-oft-rare feeling of ‘wow. That was a good book.’ ? Yes.
Yes it will.
“Could there have been
a more contrary statue to place across from one of the largest cathedrals in
America? Atlas, who attempted to overthrow the gods on Olympus and was thus
condemned to shoulder the celestial spheres for all eternity- the very
personification of hubris and brute endurance.
While back in the shadows of St. Patrick’s was the statue’s physical and
spiritual antithesis, the Pieta- in which our Savior, having already sacrificed
himself to God’s will, is represented broken, emaciated, laid out on Mary’s
lap. Here they resided, two worldviews
separated only by Fifth Avenue, facing off until the end of time, or the end of
Manhattan, whichever came first.”
I need some good book recommendations... will be perusing your site. Thanks, Catherine!
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think, Sarah! I'm always looking for good suggestions, so let me know what you would recommend for me!!
ReplyDelete