I am torn on reviewing this collection of stories. On one hand the stories in some ways expand the worlds set forth by Towles and at times he is at his best: simple and brilliant words with characters you long to continue following. In the other, some of the stories feel more like drafts of larger novels that never quite take hold and at times labor on early and feel wasted. The overall theme of two people sitting around a consequential table does not carry through as clearly as it should for this type of collection—at least in my view.

This collection is entertaining and likely to be well received by those who are fans of Towles. It feels that is could have been organized or edited to feel a little less random and a bit better than some mostly good drafts. It is worth sitting down to consume but it left me far from longing for dessert.

This was an unexpected 5 star read! I assumed I'd enjoy it, but it exceeded all my expectations. The first half of the book consists of short stories all taking place in New York. There is no other connection between them; the characters and even the time period change with each. I'd describe them as Fly on the Wall stories. The reader is plopped into the middle of the characters' lives, stays with them for a short while, then leaves them to continue on their way. Amor Towles is so good at character development. Given the short amount of time I had with each character, I felt oddly connected to them. This is the kind of book you want to savor, picking up and putting down at your leisure.

The second half of the book is a novella that picks up where Rules of Civility ends. I didn't remember a lot about Rules but was quickly able to catch up. At first, I thought this would also be a slow and steady read. However, there was a crime/mystery element I wasn't expecting which made me want to read the second half of the novella as quickly as I could.

Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group, and Viking for an advanced copy of this excellent book. I loved it!

Table for Two is a collection of short stories and a novella from author Amor Towles, The short stories were beautifully written, told with wit and sharp observations about the foibles of humans.

What sparkled for me was the novella which followed Eve, a character from Towles' previous novel The Rules of Civility. The caper is told with sophisticated wit in a pulp noir style set in the golden age of Hollywood. I have not yet read The Rules of Civility, but will be definitely be adding it to my to be read pile after savoring this great story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this great book.

4.5 stars

I found this book mostly interesting. Especially the first few stories. I have to admit I got about 3/4 the way through and then moved on. Yet several of them have really stayed with me. I didn't get into the one set in Hollywood. But I definitely liked his writing style, and will read him again. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to preview the ARC.

Wonderful short stories set in New York (mostly) and a novella set in Hollywood (with a character from his novel RULES OF CIVILITY) from the author of A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW. The short stories follow, among others, a forger, an alcoholic, a daughter following her stepfather and two Carnegie Hall patrons and are, as is mostly the case with short story collections, a mixed bag. My favorite was probably “The Line,” set mostly in 1918 era Russia where a farmer named Pushkin, while only being himself, basically charms the system.


In the novella, Eve, from RULES OF CIVILITY, who took the train on to Los Angeles becomes involved with Hollywood royalty and the seedy underbelly of the Hollywood system. Overall I enjoyed the book, as always Towles is a top-rate talent and I’m looking forward to his next novel.

For Amor Towles fans (I am one), this collection gives a little bit of everything. One Russian revolution-era story, a handful of contemporary stories, and half the length taken up by a previously released novella (expanded) of golden Hollywood. The contemporary stories, set in New York, are a nice change from his historical settings, but offer the same flowing dialogue and smart observations about people. The only improvement would be to include more brand new material.

4 stars

This is everything I expected and more. Amor Towles is an artist in his own right!
I just love this book. It has all the feels and a few little Easter eggs too.

Slow and somewhat dry reading with somewhat awkward prose. His writing style is not for me. That said, it feels similar to his other books, so I would expect fans of his previous work to be pleased. I stopped after section 4 (2%).

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC.