These stories give us a glimpse at what happened to Evelyn Ross after she disappears from the scene in Towles' first novel, Rules of Civility. Towles' tells her story through her interactions with people in Hollywood, most notably a young Oliva DeHavilland. As is the case with all his work, strong characterization and an incredible sense of place make for great reading. If you haven't read Rules of Civility, these stories might not be that satisfying, but as a bit of a conclusion to an open-ended story, it is really great. I hope he does the same for some of the characters in his latest book, The Lincoln Highway, which leaves us wanting to know a lot about what happens when the book ends.

This book is not available on Amazon or from chain bookstores. You have to get it from Shakespeare & Company in New York City, Powells, or places like that. It is pretty expensive for a slim paperback, but Shakespeare & Company has signed copies, so that's what I got. ( )

Amor Towles’s Eve in Hollywood expands on his first novel, Rules of Civility, exploring Evelyn Ross’ journey to Hollywood. The novella alternates perspectives from a detective on a train to a washed-up movie star, Olivia de Havilland, a paparazzo, and more. The stories capture a bygone era of Hollywood with the backroom deals, studio system, and contrast of cultures. Towles demonstrates his great skill for character development and description even in so short a medium, so this novella will appeal to his fans. The work was originally released as an e-book, but Shakespeare & Co. in New York City offered a special print copy of the novella for Towles’ fans. ( )

I LOVED [b:Rules of Civility|10054335|Rules of Civility|Amor Towles|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311705045s/10054335.jpg|14950407]. Alas, I couldn't get into this in the same way. I dislike the experience of reading ebooks, vignettes in general, and was incurious after three years to learn more about Eve.

I still can't wait for his next, though. ( )

Clever, engaging stories about the further adventures of Eve ( )

Eve in Hollywood – Amor Towles

4 stars

Rules of Civility was one of those books. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to go back and start over as soon as it was done. Mostly, I wanted to know what happened to Eve. My curiosity was not completely satisfied with this short story collection, but it does provide six fascinating glimpses into the life of a remarkable character. The first five stories look at Eve through other eyes. The last story is specifically Eve’s.

Just as the original book made me want to time travel back to an earlier New York City, these stories make me wish for a trip to the hay days of Hollywood. I want to walk through the revolving doors of the Beverly Hills Hotel and have a drink in the bar with Eve and Olivia de Haviland.

First, you should read Rules of Civility. When the first book leaves you wanting a bit more, follow Eve to Hollywood.
( )