Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011). Summary of the book.

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011)

Summary of the Book

Rules of Civility is a novel by Amor Towles, published in 2011. It is set in New York City in 1938 and tells the story of Katey Kontent and her friend Eve, two young women trying to make their way in the city. The novel follows their journey as they navigate through the rules of civility and their own personal struggles to find their place in the world.

The novel is centered around the idea that in order to survive in the world, one must be aware of the “rules of civility”, a set of unwritten laws that govern the behavior of polite society. The book explores how these rules are used to maintain order and control, and how they can be bent and broken when necessary. Katey and Eve’s journey is a story of self-discovery as they learn the importance of being true to themselves and resisting the external pressures of society.

The novel also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and ambition, as Katey and Eve face hardships together. Along the way, they make powerful enemies and loyal friends, and eventually find themselves in a position of power. In the end, they are able to use their newfound strength and knowledge to change their lives and the lives of those around them.

Curiosities and Interesting Facts

Rules of Civility has gained much acclaim since its release. It was a New York Times Bestseller and was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2011. It has also been adapted into a movie and a stage play. The novel has been praised for its witty dialogue and its vivid descriptions of 1930s New York City.

The novel was inspired by the George Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, written by the first U.S. president in 1745. This document was a guide for proper behavior among the upper classes at the time. Much of the novel is based on these rules, as well as other social customs of the time.

Rules of Civility was the debut novel of Amor Towles and is the first in a series of novels set in New York City. The sequel, A Gentleman in Moscow, was released in 2016 and was also a New York Times Bestseller.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the plot of Rules of Civility?
    The plot of Rules of Civility follows the journey of two young women, Katey and Eve, as they navigate through the rules of civility and their own personal struggles to find their place in the world. Along the way, they make powerful enemies and loyal friends, and eventually find themselves in a position of power.
  • When was Rules of Civility published?
    Rules of Civility was published in 2011.
  • What awards did Rules of Civility receive?
    Rules of Civility was a New York Times Bestseller and was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2011.
  • What inspired Rules of Civility?
    Rules of Civility was inspired by the George Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, written by the first U.S. president in 1745.
  • Is Rules of Civility part of a series?
    Yes, Rules of Civility is the first in a series of novels set in New York City. The sequel, A Gentleman in Moscow, was released in 2016.

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