Title: Last Night at the Lobster
Author: Stewart O’Nan
First published November 1, 2007
160 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670018277 (ISBN10: 0670018279)
Rating: 3.58
Overview
The highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed fantasy debut of 2012 is finally here. Miles Cameron once again takes us on an epic journey in The Fell Sword.
The Red Knight and his trusted company venture across treacherous mountains to the kingdoms of Morea and Thrake in the east of Alba. What starts as a small rebellion turns into a much larger conflict, revealing more about the meta-plot with each battle.
Along the way, the Red Knight meets a stunning princess, while Jean de Vrailly gains more power and glory. Amicia finds herself in a feud with the church, causing long term effects for everyone.
Readers will also be introduced to the Faery Knight, and the irks become more than just enemies, but real people with their own stories. As the sides shift and the stakes get higher, prepare for an unforgettable battle in The Fell Sword.
About the Author
Stewart O’Nan has authored a total of eighteen novels, some of which include Emily, Alone; Last Night at the Lobster; A Prayer for the Dying; and Snow Angels. His latest book, Ocean State, is set to be released on March 8th, 2022, and will be published by Grove/Atlantic.
In collaboration with Stephen King, O’Nan has also co-written a nonfiction book called Faithful, which tells the story of the 2004 Boston Red Sox. Additionally, they co-authored an e-story titled “A Face in the Crowd.”
You can connect with O’Nan on his website, stewart-onan.com, as well as on Twitter @stewartonan and on Facebook @stewartONanAuthor.
Editoral Review
Stewart O’Nan’s Last Night at the Lobster is an insightful and poignant novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of the working class in America. Published in 2007, the book is a masterpiece in contemporary literature, attracting a wide range of readers with its compelling narrative, vivid imagery, and relatable characters.
O’Nan is a well-known American novelist and professor of creative writing, known for his realistic and unflinching portrayals of ordinary people facing everyday challenges. His previous works like Snow Angels and The Night Country have garnered critical acclaim and established him as a master storyteller.
Set in a rundown Red Lobster restaurant in Connecticut, Last Night at the Lobster follows the final shift of Manny DeLeon, a dedicated restaurant manager who has spent his entire career trying to keep the doors open despite dwindling customer numbers and a corporate takeover that threatens to close the restaurant for good. The plot is driven by Manny’s determination to keep the restaurant running smoothly on its last night, facing a range of obstacles including temperamental chefs, unreliable waitstaff, and unpredictable customers.
The novel explores the dynamics of the restaurant staff and their relationships with each other in a touching and evocative manner. O’Nan excels in his ability to create authentic and relatable characters that resonate with readers.
Manny is a sympathetic protagonist, whose unwavering sense of duty and loyalty underscores his humanity. Even the secondary characters, like the troubled waitress Jacquie and the rebellious dishwasher Tyrell, are fully realized, adding depth and complexity to the story.
The book’s setting is also a key element in the story, as the crumbling Red Lobster serves as a metaphor for the decline of the American working class. O’Nan seamlessly weaves in themes of corporate greed, economic hardship, and the struggle to maintain dignity and purpose amidst difficult circumstances.
The novel’s pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the Red Lobster and its inhabitants. The writing is elegant, yet accessible, with evocative descriptions that paint vivid pictures in the mind’s eye.
One potential limitation of the book is its focus on a single, albeit significant, night. Some readers may find that the narrow scope of the story limits their emotional investment in the characters or the overall plot.
However, this is a minor quibble that is offset by the richly textured world that O’Nan has created. Overall, Last Night at the Lobster is a beautifully written and insightful novel that explores the struggles and triumphs of the working class.
It is a must-read for fans of contemporary literature and those interested in the human condition. I highly recommend this book and give it a score of 4 out of 5.
