Table For Two

Synopsis: A gift from Amor Towles, this is a collection of 6 short stories and a novella. The short stories largely are set in New York City, while the novella is set in Los Angeles. The short stories include a description of a Russian immigrant to NYC, the story of an aspiring novelist, as well as stories relating to art and music. The novella continues the story of Eve, originally a character from his first novel Rules of Civility. Eve relocates to LA and life ensues.

Review: Obviously, one cannot discuss a specific character or plot as it relates to this book. Nonetheless, there are common themes such as “How do we attain and experience happiness?, “ the themes of power, money and the individual, and social expectations. I LOVE short stories, and these are perfectly executed. The biggest problem is you just don’t want them to end! The characters are fully formed, the prose sublime, the dialogue is witty and charming. what more could we want? I love this author and will read anything he puts out for consumption. The novella was also delightful. I absolutely loved his novel Rules of Civility, so getting to spend more time with Eve was a delight. I’m a fan, the end.

Rating: 5/5

Recipe: Timothy Touchette wants to be a novelist, but finds success forging other author’s signatures for money. As he enjoys his payday, he delights in a New York steakhouse, having bananas foster for dessert. Enjoy the dessert, but don’t be like Timothy.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 teaspoons dark brown sugar

1 banana, peeled halved lengthwise and crosswise

cinnamon

1 ounce light rum

vanilla ice cream

1) Melt butter and sugar in a small pan. Add banana pieces and saute until lightly browned. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

2) Add rum to the pan. Carefully, light the sauce with a long reach lighter to flambee. Spoon flaming sauce over banana pieces until extinguished.

3) Serve warm over vanilla ice cream.