Rules of Civility

This is an excellent book - very well written and very difficult to put down. The prose is very compelling too, and the writing is very witty as well.

Amor Towles put me inside a Time Machine once again with this one as he did with “A Gentleman….”. You end his books with very nice feelings about the time it was and a desire to live in those days.

What beautiful writing, what nuanced descriptions of the human psyche. Transitioning between social strata effortlessly, his words bringing every sketch to life. And not to overstate the relevance but his observations on the society in general and the human mindset in particular continues to be relevant nearly a century after from the setting of the novel. Truly exemplary writing. So glad to have read it.

Drags a little

Every scentence feels like it follows from a perennial source that allows it the impunity of choosing to join the mainstream or to chart its own course.

Very good book well written, worth reading!

Superb flow. Takes one back to a special era where character was more important than wealth or family. Highly recommended.

Brilliant writer. Very perceptive. The book takes a little time to pick up ... but when it does it doesn’t stop.

I loved this book so much I reread it 4 months later. I think he’s an author of such charm and warmth. His skilful use of metaphors greatly enriches the writing, and they are incredibly witty and natural, never feel forced or jarring. A fabulous cast of characters where even the bit parts are fully fleshed out, believable people with human flaws. I particularly loved Eve, Anne and Wallace. He also draws perfectly the picture of late 30’s New York. The story of a year that, although pivotal for Katey as an individual, could have been a year in anyone’s life and yet was made so engaging and interesting through his writing techniques. A solid 5/5 from me, not because it’s perfect but because I don’t think I could have got greater enjoyment from it. One of my favourite extracts, Katey’s response to receiving a summons from Anne – ‘I tore the letter into a thousand pieces and hurled them at the spot on the wall where a fireplace should have been. Then I carefully considered what I should wear.’ Perfect!

There's not much I can say that other reviewers haven't already said. This book is gorgeous. The protagonist is wonderful, the writing style is the best I have encountered in a long time. This book meanders along and I enjoyed every minute of the journey. It is difficult to explain exactly why it is so good, the best I can come up with is to compare it to a classical music composition, it builds and shines and sweeps over you and you don't want it end and you can't stop thinking about it when it does.

Reviewing “Rules of Civility” is a pleasure. The novel resembles classic American literature, reminiscent of Hemingway's style. The storytelling is engaging, with exquisite language. The plot unfolds at a delightful pace, and the writing's depth and elegance are captivating. Unlike many modern American novels, this one doesn't seem tailored for film or TV adaptations. Reading it is refreshing, like a breath of fresh air. It was an absolute delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The bohemians, immigrants and struggling artists who once leant so much flavor to New York city have long since left and been replaced by the wealthy, very wealthy and obscenely rich. Much to the satisfaction of his readers, Amor Towles has transported us to a New York of the late 1930s and a world that once was. Katey Kontent rents a room in a house where she shares space with Evelyn Ross. The two frequent jazz bars where they meet Tinker Grey. With his help, vistas are open to them and a life they would never have though possible. Unfortunately, even a life fulfilled beyond expectations can still bring with it disappointments. “Rules of Civility” celebrates a lifestyle long gone and with it a feeling of nostalgia for adventures provided by a city inhabited by the nouveau riche, the blue blood American aristocrat, the fresh off the boat immigrant, the struggling artist, the talented musician, and the idealistic writer. As our characters mature, so must New York and the reader is left with a nostalgia for lost youth and simpler times. If only by following rules such those of civility, everything in life would turn out okay. "Rules of Civility" is a terrific book that provides a nostalgic journey back to simpler and more dangerous times that some would love to relive and others forget.

Un modo di scrivere molto vivace e sorprendente,che mi ha dato ore di lettura piacevoli, catturandomi.