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micahoeksema1's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
avesloa's review against another edition
5.0
Towles novels leave me with such a beautiful sadness, contentment, and longing all at once.
swamptoad's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I so greatly enjoy Amor Towles’ writing style, but found this story not as engaging as A Gentleman in Moscow. I loved the character development and several of the passages will stick with me for sure.
ktrain3900's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This fast-paced jaunt through 1938 New York's creme de la creme features almost impossibly witty characters who speak with a tinge of noir, and who exist on the fringes of a Wharton novel, had she come along a generation later. I found it fun, escapist fiction, requiring the reader to apply a dash of good ol' suspension of disbelief. The exploits of our intrepid heroine, the preposterously named Katey Kontent, are exhausting - just how does one balance the heavy work schedule with the heavy social schedule? - but I was 25 once, with that sort of bounding boundless energy. While it's good for a first novel, it's still a first novel: did it need the preface and epilogue; do we believe a bold broad like Katey would be such a Dickens fan (and was it only because she was named a bit like a Dickens character); could it have done without some of the dated racisms and still felt genuine? I'm not sure, but overall, I wouldn't kick this book out of bed.
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident, Abortion, Alcohol, and War
kelly_inthe419's review against another edition
4.0
Towles is such a beautiful writer. I read A Gentleman in Moscow a couple years back and am finally getting around to his debut novel. It’s a very character driven story as seen through the eye of a young woman in 1930s New York City and traces one momentous year. Katey is smart and funny and no one’s fool. Tinker is not who she thinks, or wants him to be. The twists at the end were surprising, a little sad, and perfect for the story. Highly recommend.
meelzc's review against another edition
4.0
Not my typical read but I enjoyed it! I felt like it really nailed the 1930s in New York vibe. Not that I was there. Also Katey Kontent might be my favorite character name ever.
hjswinford's review against another edition
4.0
Balancing between a 4 and 4.5. I really enjoyed this book and it left me excited to try more from Towles. The writing was lovely and Katey was a great protagonist with interesting thoughts, snappy wit, and thoughtful observations. The atmosphere of the whole book was wonderful.
rascalsmom1031's review against another edition
4.0
I love how Towles writing just transports you into his story. I didn’t love the story...parts were weird and sad. But overall his writing wins me over every time