MINI REVIEW CATCH UP: Rules of Civility, My Cousin Rachel, The Cat's Table, Ladies and Gentlemen

I am so behind in my reviews so here are some mini reviews to help get me caught up.

RULES OF CIVILITY by Amor Towles
This is the story of Katey and Evie during the year of 1938. They are friends living in an all-girls boarding house, looking to be independent in Manhattan. Then they meet Tinker Grey, an Upper East Side millionaire they meet New Year's Eve in a Greenwich Village jazz club. The three of them explore the city until an accident separates them. Katey is the main character of the story an she encounters many different people as she looks for a career where she can make her mark.
I really enjoyed this novel and read it fairly quickly. I adore the jazz age era and everything Manhattan. Katey seemed wise beyond her years and was very likeable. It is not an exciting plot, yet I was never bored.
my rating 4.5/5

MY COUSIN RACHEL by Daphne du Maurier

This reminded me a bit of Rebecca, with the same kind of setting and atmosphere. Philip and Ambrose are bachelor cousins living on Ambrose's estate. But Ambrose has some health problems and so has been spending the cold winters abroad in sunnier weather. Ambrose has been Philip's guardian since he was a boy and has never been married. So Philip is quite shocked when he receives a letter from Ambrose in Italy and the news that he has married the widow Rachel. Philip keeps waiting for Ambrose to return home with his new bride but Ambrose writes of affairs that must be settled first. Then he begins to write more disturbing letters that cast doubt on Rachel. Philip fears for Ambrose's safety and journeys to Italy to bring him home. sadly he discovers that Ambrose has died of a brain tumor. Philip returns home filled with anger at the Rachel he has never met. but when she comes to England, she is nothing like Philip expected and he begins to develop feelings for her.
I love a good suspense novel where my opinion of the characters keep changing and wondering who, if anyone is the guilty party and this one did just that. If you enjoyed Rebecca, you will enjoy this as well.
my rating 4.5/5

THE CAT'S TABLE by Michael Ondaajte
This is a very charming read, poignant and sweet at times. From the point of view of an 11 year old boy, Michael, the reader is taken on a 21 day journey aboard a ship from Columbo to England in the 1950's, where he is to meet with his mother, whom he has not seen in several years. Michael makes friends with two boys his age, also sitting at the 'Cat's Table', the table furthest from the Captain's table, where the least important passengers dine. The boys explore the ship, cause trouble and meet many interesting characters. The chapters are short, each character or event is introduced in one of these chapters then referred to later.
Occasionally the author will refer to future events as they relate to this 21 day voyage.
Ondaajte is an amazing writer and I did not want this book to end. He captured the setting well and kept me interested without any fancy plot devices. This is the first of his work that I have read and I am interested in reading more.
my rating 5/5

 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN by Adam Ross  
These short stories by Adam Ross may not appeal to everyone. Most of them are dark and sad. The first one broke my heart but I can't say why without spoilers. But if you can get past the darkness, they are an interesting look at singular events in the lives of different people. A lonely professor who wants to make his mark in the world but has a tendency to play it safe, a young couple comparing their own relationship to another's and thinking things aren't as bad as they thought, two brothers who have always been at odds and one trying to get the upper hand.
Ross is an amazing, insightful writer. You may not love the characters or the choices they make but they will leave an impact on you. I'm looking forward to reading Mr. Peanut, a book I never got to last year, but now I want to see what Ross can do in a novel.
 my rating 4/5