Rules of Civility by Amor Towles is a nostalgic novel that takes the protagonist on a path of self discovery in the upper echelon of 1930s Manhattan. Paired with its unattainable sophistication and attractive characters, the novel possesses a magnetic force that can't be denied by readers. The writing is compelling given its intricate imagery and enduring themes. Towles is indeed a master of English, with his insightful and catchy sentences that imprints a vivid image into the reader's mind.
The author pays homage to the city of New York for its vibrancy and everlasting youth. The idea of endless possibilities is at the core of the story. Not only does he showcase the bright side of youth, but also the dark side of it. The crippling loneliness that comes with searching for your identity in a world determined to stifle your world view, however profound it may be.
Apart from the protagonist, other characters are portrayed as too perfect. However, as we venture further into this perfect world, we realize just how much of a charade it is. The higher you go in the social strata, the more you realize just how much people hide themselves behind the mask of perfection.
The notion that Rules of Civility is unrealistic couldn't be farther from the truth. Nothing could be more real than people masking their flaws to fit in to a higher social class. The author's perfect writing reveals the imperfections of humanity in a way that isn't shameful, but honest and empathetic.
