[bksvol-discuss] last night at the lobster submitted
- From: "Amber Wallenstein" <amber.wallens@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:05:04 -0400
I have just submitted Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan.
Set on the last day of business of a Connecticut Red Lobster, this touching
novel by the author of Snow Angels and A Prayer for the Dying tells the story
of Manny DeLeon, a conscientious, committed restaurant manager any national
chain would want to keep. Instead, corporate has notified Manny that his-and
Manny does think of the restaurant as his-New Britain, Conn., location is not
meeting expectations and will close December 20. On top of that, he'll be
assigned to a nearby Olive Garden and downgraded to assistant manager. It's a
loss he tries to rationalize much as he does the loss of Jacquie, a waitress
and the former not-so-secret lover he suspects means more to him than his
girlfriend Deena, who is pregnant with his child. On this last night, Manny is
committed to a dream of perfection, but no one and nothing seems to share his
vision: a blizzard batters the area, customers are sparse, employees don't
show up and Manny has a tough time finding a Christmas gift for Deena. Lunch
gives way to dinner with hardly anyone stopping to eat, but Manny refuses
to close early or give up hope. Small but not slight, the novel is a concise,
poignant portrait of a man on the verge of losing himself.
Enjoy.
Amber
Book blog:
http://community.livejournal.com/book_cuddler/
I have accepted a seat in the House of Representatives, and thereby have
consented to my own ruin, to your ruin, and to the ruin of our children. I give
you this warning that you may prepare your mind for your fate.
John Adams
E-Mail: amber.wallens@xxxxxxxxx
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