Introduction of novel Rules of Civility
Rules of Civility is a novel by Amor Towles, published in 2011. The novel is a historical novel, and through Katey Kontent’s life, readers take a journey to 1938 New York. The novel is filled to the brim with themes of ambition, love, friendship, and striving to do greater in life in a world in transition. The novel is skillfully woven by Towles, capturing America’s refinement and struggles prior to war. The following is an overview of the novel’s plot, characters, and take-home messages.
Summary of Rules of Civility
The story is relayed through Katey Kontent, who is smart and ambitious and is herself a working girl of Russian immigrant stock. Kate and her closest friend, Eve Ross, are working girls who have aspirations to make their way in New York.
On New Year’s Eve, 1937, Katey and Eve have their encounter with Tinker Grey, who is charming and independent, while on their visit to a jazz club. The two develop an affinity for Tinker in no time, and the trio spends time and savors life’s bright and shiny corners in the city. Theirs is, however, disrupted by a tragic motor accident, where their life is changed in an instant. Tinker and Eve begin their romantic life, and Katey feels left behind.
As time passes, Katey continues to advance in professional life in the publishing world and is surrounded by influential and powerful personalities. Katey meets various society personalities and love interests in between, while negotiating through society life’s complexities. As time passes, Katey learns various life lessons on sacrifices made and dedication to achieve successes.
By the time Katey is through with the novel, she knows that riches and position do not always equate to bliss. Katey is able to accept and celebrate her freedom, and instead of relying on someone’s good luck, chooses to forge ahead by herself. The novel ends on reflection on how people pass through life, and have lasting influences on our choice and life events.
Main Characters
Katey Kontent – The independent and strong-minded protagonist who is focused on securing for herself a better future.
Eve Ross – Katey’s adventurous and confident closest friend, who is craving for an opulent life.
Tinker Grey – An amiable and good-looking fellow who is friends with Katey and Eve but is beset by personal demons.
Wallace Wolcott – A likable and benevolent person who develops feelings for Katey.
Ann Grandyn Powerful and financially successful woman who exerts considerable influence on Tinker’s life.
Themes in Rules of Civility
1. Social Class and Wealth
The novel touches on how opportunity and relationships are influenced by social class. Katey witnesses both hardships of the working class and the luxuries of upper society and understands that wealth does not bring happiness.
2. Achievement and Ambition
Katey’s journey is a testament to strength and resilience. She does not define herself by where she is from and struggles to push forward on her own.
3. Love and Friendship
The novel captures the complexities of platonic and romantic relationships. The encounter between Katey, Tinker, and Eve demonstrates how, in certain situations, love leads to heartbreak and deceit.
4. The Options Effect
Throughout the novel, characters make decisions that decide their future. Katey’s decisions depict her growing up, and she understands that having power in her life is preferable to relying on someone.
Writing Style and Structure
Amor Towles’ writing style is lyrical and immersive. The novel is written in a mood of contemplation, reflecting on nostalgia for late 1930s. The use of descriptive writing and smart conversation makes the novel intriguing, transporting readers to evenings filled with jazz in New York. The detail and attention to characters by Towles make readers identify and feel attached to Katey’s life.
Why You Should Read *Rules of Civility
If you’re someone who enjoys historical novels and strong heroines,Rules of Civility is an absolute must. The novel presents an interesting window on 1930s New York and presents an timeless tale of ambition, love, and self-discovery. The writing and fully developed characters by Towles make sure that it is an enthralling read until the last word.
My thoughts
Rules of Civility is beautifully written novel capturing the charm and struggles of life in 1930s New York. Katey Kontent’s journey to becoming an independent woman is inspiring, and her life is replete with salient lessons on ambition, social standing, and personal growth. Amor Towles offers an intriguing tale filled with grace, intelligence, and depth, and therefore, such a novel is an enjoyable and thoughtful read for readers who have an interest in historical novels.