‘Eve in Hollywood’ is Enticing

January 10, 2014 by Allison Hiltz 24 Comments

Eve in Hollywood by Amor Towles
Also by this author: Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow
Published by Penguin Group on June 25, 2013
Genres/Lists: Fiction
Pages: Roughly 100
Read synopsis on Goodreads
Buy the book: Amazon/Audible (this post includes affiliate links)

Oh, how I love Amor Towles. Granted, I’ve only read two things by him, but I’ve loved both of them. Last summer I raved about Rules of Civility and it made my Top 13 Books of 2013 list without a fight, so when he released this novella as a follow-up on my birthday, I was thrilled. Even though it took me a few months to get around to reading it, I devoured it in one sitting and can say that his incredible writing was not a one-time thing.

Although Eve in Hollywood picks up where Rules of Civility leaves off, it is a distinctly independent novella that follows Eve in, well, Hollywood. Each chapter is told by a different person she encounters along the way, all of whom she has a resounding effect on. From shy starlets to movie producers to chauffeurs, Eve touches each of their lives with a nonchalant charm that few can pull off.

One problem I oftentimes have with follow-ups like this is that the characters somehow end up becoming unrecognizable versions of their former selves. Fans of Rules of Civility, however, will be pleased by the author’s ability to maintain the integrity and essence of Eve’s original character. I’m loathe to compare this short read to Towles‘ full-length novel, but I would be remiss in ignoring the stylistic differences between the two. Where as Rules of Civility is a book to languish in, Eve in Hollywood is a faster-paced read. Although they offer entirely different reading experiences, Towles‘ sincere way with words shines through in both.

* Side note – In this book there was mention of David O. Selznick, a Hollywood producer who was also named in Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote. I found in interesting that real names of producers were used because, of course, anyone whose real name is used nowadays would probably sue.

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Katie @ Doing Dewey
Great review! You definitely made me want to pick this book up 🙂
- Allison Hiltz
  That was my master plan all along.
Melinda
I need to read Rules of Civility first, I guess!
- Allison Hiltz
  I recommend it. Otherwise you miss out on a lot of character development.
Sarah @ Sarah Says Read
I forgot about this! I loved Rules of Civility. I’m glad to hear this was enjoyable, I just went and downloaded it 🙂
- Allison Hiltz
  Woohoo! Let me know what you think of it!
Shannon @ River City Reading
I absolutely LOVED Rules of Civility but I’ve been avoiding this one because I didn’t want to ruin the picture I had in my mind of the characters from that book. I’m glad to hear that this can stand on its own as a separate novel, though!
- Shannon @ River City Reading
  I was having trouble commenting last night and didn’t know if it went through (I was getting an error) – thought I would try again today because I didn’t see my comment here. Lucky you, now you get two comments that are almost the same from me 😉
- Allison Hiltz
  It’s completely different and yet the same character. He did a great job of making it a standalone.
Shannon @ River City Reading
I’m a HUGE fan of Rules of Civility, but have been reluctant to read this because (like you said), follow ups can tread into strange territory. Glad to hear this one can stand on its own and does so well!
- Allison Hiltz
  I highly recommend it. It’s a great spinoff that does well, as you said, as a standalone.
Brooke
I loved Rules of Civility and Eve in Hollywood! I liked how experimental Eve in Hollywood felt.
- Allison Hiltz
  I’m so glad! You’re the only other person (that I know of) that’s read it!
Andi (@estellasrevenge)
Awesome! I have Rules of Civility on my e-reader, and it’s been calling to me lately. 🙂
- Allison Hiltz
  Oh! You HAVE to read it! Pronto!
Rebecca @ Love at First Book
I definitely think that if you have read 2 books you love by an author you can say you love that author. That’s how I feel about Jamie Ford – his books are amazing even though there are only two, but I can call him one of my favorite authors because of that.
- Allison Hiltz
  Good point! I wonder if the author has any other books (opening a new tab to check).
Jennifer
Wonderful review. I loved RULES so will definitely check this out. And I love the cover!
- Allison Hiltz
  Thanks! It’s so good and you can read it in an afternoon, which is nice.
Ciska @ Ciska’s Book Chest
Still got to read Rules of Civility good to hear you enjoyed it so much!
- Allison Hiltz
  Like I said before, read it! Pronto!
Jennine G.
That’s a high recommendation of Rules of Civility and this author! I’ve been on the fence about Rules of Civility. When I was following a lot of writing blogs, all of the writers were raving about it, but I just wasn’t sure. Strangely enough, people who consider themselves writers first don’t always see (or maybe don’t look for) the same things as people who consider themselves readers first. But coming from you and on the your year’s top ten makes me more likely to read it – and other works by this author.
- Allison Hiltz
  I’m glad that you find my reviews credible 🙂 I absolutely adored the book and it’s in my Top 10 of all time. Maybe I should write a post about that 🙂

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