Stewart O'Nan

A few years ago, at the start of the Covid pandemic, the Pizza Hut in our town closed down, as did a lot of restaurants. Sadly, its corporate headquarters made the decision to close it permanently. I've often wondered what happened to the dozen or more employees who lost jobs there. Well, Stewart O'Nan's acclaimed 2007 novel, LAST NIGHT AT THE LOBSTER, opens a window into a similar situation, giving human faces and feelings to the workers at a Red Lobster near a failing Massachusetts mall. Their last day plays out from the viewpont of the Lobster manager, Manny DeLeon, a long-time and conscientious 'company man,' who has other problems - a pregnant girlfriend he doesn't really
love, and a waitress he still loves, though their affair has long since fizzled, and several unhappy workers who have shown up for this last day of work. And it's all set against a massive winter storm just four days before Christmas. O'Nan works his trademark magic of 'inhabiting' his main character, putting the reader inside Manny's head - and heart - in this awkward and, at times, heartbreaking final day of work at the restaurant.

I've often seen comments from O'Nan fans that this is their favorite of his books. Now I understand that enthusiasm, although I also wonder if they might have loved it for its brevity, at less than 150 pages. But the fact that whole lives are so vividly represented in those few pages says a lot. This is, I think, my thirteenth O'Nan book, so obviously I'm a fan. Loved this one too. My very highest recommendation.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER… (altro)

Emily Maxwell has been a widow for several years, and remains close with her sister-in-law Arlene. The two women spend a lot of time together, having breakfast once a week in a local restaurant and attending local events from art fairs to funerals (an unfortunately common occurrence at their age). Their comfortable routine is upended when Arlene falls and requires medical care. Emily is forced to drive again instead of relying on Arlene, and while this is scary for her at first it also brings about somewhat of a reckoning about the rest of her life, however long (or short) that may be.

There’s a lot to unpack in this novel as Emily reflects on all aspects of her life: her upbringing, marriage, and present-day relationships with her adult children. She cares for her aging dog, mourns the loss of members of her social circle, acknowledges her own failings both emotional and physical, and plans for her legacy. Being a pragmatic and organized sort of person she goes about all of this methodically, but the emotional impact is unavoidable – both for Emily and the reader. This is a beautifully written novel.… (altro)

It took me a few chapters to ease into the slow pace of this novel, but once I had I delighted in Henry's every day adventures as I walked with him the streets of Pittsburgh and the cottage in Chautauqua. The details and intimacy felt like an invitation to walk into Henry's shoes: his likes, dislikes, foibles and fears. I definitely felt like I knew him despite a certain distance. The world's dramas, including his family's, seem to circle him as he refuses to be drawn into them: perspective gained from old age or fear of emotion? Henry is definitely old school where the home and feelings are women's work.
The ending is beautifully done, gentle and restful with a tint of regret. This book is definitely a reminder to be present to every moment.… (altro)