A really great collection of short stories. Well paced with a very strong sense of setting, I absolutely adored Towles's writing style. I tore through this book so quickly that A Gentleman in Moscow is now my next read. Moving, witty and thought provoking - one to add to your list.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

It was the first time I’ve read anything by the author and I was intrigued since her books are so loved all over the world.

A collection of short stories that felt like a real life adventure. The writing is exquisite, these alluring characters making me want to be their friend, even in the not so great moments and the overall experience reading these stories was something that i didn’t expect.

I can’t say I liked one story more than another, they all bring something new and different to the table and probably that’s why i enjoyed them so much.

Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own.

Despite the many, wonderful reviews regarding Amor Towles's recent novels, Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow, I've never had a chance to read them so I grabbed the opportunity to read this latest publication, comprised of six short stories and a novella.

The six short stories are all centred around New York and are vignettes of human nature, overlaid with a subtle, wry observation. My favourite was The DiDomenico Fragment, which included the quote, ‘Spatchcocking, in which the bird is drawn and quartered like a heretic’, when discussing Thanksgiving dinner options. In all the stories there is a certain emphasis on the lengths some go to in maintaining a facade of perfection, believing it will lead to respect, power, and money. But human nature isn’t that formulaic.

The novella is set in Los Angeles and follows Evelyn Ross, who was a central character in The Rules of Civility. However, you don't need to be familiar with the book to enjoy this one. We may be on the West Coast of America, amongst the gauche, nouveau rich but in this city of make-believe, the power of perception is just as paramount. This story is a real page-turner and gives a lot in just a small number of pages.

'Table for Two' is a highly enjoyable book. There's sure to be something for everyone here. I know some believe that short stories can't deliver enough development and complexity to adequately satiate a reader's appetite. I beg to differ.

'call it Schadenfreude. Litsky called it human nature - which is just a fancy term for the God-given flaws we have no intention of giving back'.

I’m not usually a short story fan, but anything Towles writes I will read. I instantly fell back in love with his easy writing style and effortless storytelling. I do wish the stories were a bit longer, but alas I still enjoyed each and every one. The way he creates characters and stories is so admirable and I love how he transports the reader.

It is s a joy to read Amor Towles short story collection and novella, so exquisitely written, shifting from different time periods, with the wonderfully drawn wide cast of distinctly different characters. There is lyricism, wit, charm, irony in the following stories that bewitch and captivate:

The Line
The Ballad of Timothy Touchett
Hasta Luego
I Will Survive
The Bootlegger
The DiDomenico Fragment
Eve in Hollywood (In which we once again meet up with Evelyn Ross, from The Rules of Incivility)

I was profoundly moved by the artfully woven tales, the human flaws and condition, the complexities, and range of people, a spectrum of people from the ordinary, notorious, and famous. There are connections and relationships people form, including the compassion and kindness in harsh times, immigrants, marriage, the picture of the art world, the ageing process, choices made, family, ambition, scams, love, loss, grief, intrigue, self righteousness, secrets and more, including the multiple perspectives to be found in the novella. A glorious, thoughful collection of short stories, stylish, astutely observed, there are tables for two, from a remarkably talented writer. I cannot recommend this highly enough! Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

An absolutely wonderful book that I just couldn't put down! The first half is made up of short stories mostly centred around New York, the second a novella about a blackmail case in old Hollywood. As you’d expect, the stories are beautifully written, all the characters have depth and the novella in particular is hugely entertaining. Amor Towles writes so effortlessly you forget sometimes just how skilful he is but he creates whole worlds in those short stories and fits in more character development than many full length novels. Very very highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

So excited for this gorgeous gorgeous book! I love anything to do with Old Hollywood and glamour and I just know I as well as upcoming readers are in for a divine treat! Th3 beautiful cover drew me right in and is the perfect complement to the story. I love how we are going to get to follow the protagonists journey throughout the novel. I absolutely cannot wait to share my full thoughts and review. I’m a bit behind due to an unexpected health emergency, but I know this book will be the perfect medicine to keep me company. Much more to come.

This is my MOST anticipated book of the year! I just about cried when I saw I'd been approved, and I immediately started reading it.

I love Amor Towles so much. His books always leave me yearning for more, but in the best possible way. I just can't get enough. I've had the pleasure of meeting Towles on several occasions, and he speaks just as articulately and wonderfully as the way he writes. The stories in this collection are rich with depth and meaning, full of characters I fell in love with and vivid with details that left me grinning, cringing, crying, smiling, laughing.

If you're a fan of Towles' other books - A Gentleman in Moscow, Rules of Civility, and The Lincoln Highway - you'll immediately fall in love with this collection too.