If you are familiar with Amor Towles and perhaps have read any or all his previous works I am sure you will find Table for Two a worthwhile endeavor. The six short stories precede a novella with a varied subject matter and characters. The first short story is titled “The Line” and first takes place in Russia with a peasant farmer named Pushkin and his wife Irina. Their life is simple in the times of the Tsar in a village one hundred miles from Moscow. The author transitions to a city life in Moscow and writes through the life of Pushkin with all the limitations of living in a communist society.
In the next story “The Ballad of Timothy Touchett” the main character Timothy fancies himself a writer who has not experienced any profound traumas that could be an inspiration. He takes on employment with a bookstore owner, Mr. Pennybrook, who exploits Timothy’s naivety for economic gain. This story is relatable to a sheltered child.
In “Hasta Luego” flights from LaGuardia are delayed and then cancelled that bring Jerry and Smitty together, having not known each other prior. The story begs the question of to what lengths would you help a fellow human being?
The story “I will Survive” has to do with marriage, trust and interference between Peggy, second husband John and daughter Nell. It begs the question of whose life is it? Also maybe help may be asked for but not really wanted.
“The Bootlegger” involves Carnegie Hall concerts during which a young good looking Goldman Sachs investment banker observes that an older gentleman, Arthur Fein, sitting next to him is taping the concerts. This offends the banker on principle as well as the violation of the copyright laws. When is it right to break from the norm and perhaps bend the law?
“The DiDomenico Fragment” is not only interesting but gives the reader a glimpse into the world of art and the sales. Under consideration is the love of art vs. the intrinsic value of the piece.
The novella Eve in Hollywood is more in the writing of Towles’ typical style in its development of the characters. Contrasting elements of Los Angeles of old with gangsters, grifters and prostitutes conveys both the grit and glamor of the appearance of Hollywood. This a definite read and page turner.
I hope this short synopsis piques your interest to read both for the short attention reader as well as the serious reader. I wish to personally thank Felice Hurwitz for lending this book to me unsolicited.
