Table For Two Summary, Characters and Themes
Table for Two by Amor Towles is a collection of six short stories and a novella that weaves together tales of human connection across different eras and settings. Towles, known for his rich historical fiction, explores the lives of Americans navigating complex social and personal dynamics. Each story is anchored by moments of profound realization, often occurring at a kitchen table where characters confront new realities.
From post-revolutionary Russia to turn-of-the-millennium New York City and 1930s Los Angeles, Towles delves into themes of happiness, power, and societal expectations, offering a deeply engaging reading experience.
Summary
In The Line, set in 1916 Russia, we meet Irina and Pushkin, farmers whose lives are upended by Irina’s fervent support of the Bolshevik cause.
As Irina thrives in Moscow, deeply involved in local politics and industry, Pushkin struggles to find his place in the rapidly changing society. His talent for standing in lines—initially a simple favor to others—soon morphs into a small business. Eventually, Pushkin unwittingly applies for a visa to leave Russia, despite having no desire to leave.
The couple relocates to New York City, where Irina quickly adapts, while Pushkin finds himself once again queuing, this time at a soup kitchen, echoing his old life in Moscow.
The Ballad of Timothy Touchett tells the tragic tale of a young writer, Timothy, who becomes ensnared in the world of literary forgery. Lured by Pennybrook, a cunning rare bookseller, Timothy begins forging signatures in valuable first editions. His skill brings him wealth, but Pennybrook pushes him further, convincing him to forge more recent works, including those of Paul Auster, a living author.
When Auster uncovers the deception, he reports it to the authorities. Pennybrook, in a bid to save himself, betrays Timothy, leading to Timothy’s downfall.
Hasta Luego unfolds in an airport where Jerry and Smitty, both stranded due to weather delays, strike up an unlikely friendship. Smitty’s infectious personality lifts the spirits of everyone around him, including the initially reserved Jerry. After a night of heavy drinking, Jerry accidentally swaps phones with Smitty and ends up speaking with Smitty’s wife, who reveals his struggle with alcoholism.
This revelation prompts Jerry to take care of Smitty, ensuring he gets to his flight safely. In the process, Jerry reflects on his own marriage, hoping his wife would look out for him in a similar way.
In I Will Survive, Nell suspects her stepfather John of infidelity, spurred by her mother Peggy’s initial doubts. Despite Peggy’s change of heart, Nell continues to follow John, only to discover him roller-skating in Central Park. While Nell finds this amusing, Peggy is unsettled, leading to a rift in the marriage.
John later confides in Nell’s husband, Jeremy, about the joy he finds in skating, making Jeremy realize that Peggy’s real issue is feeling excluded from John’s happiest moments.
The Bootlegger centers on Tommy, who becomes increasingly obsessed with Mr. Fein, an elderly man recording performances at Carnegie Hall. After reporting Mr. Fein and getting him banned, Tommy feels remorse and seeks him out to apologize. Surprisingly, Mr. Fein expresses gratitude, as the recordings were his last connection to his late wife. However, Mr. Fein’s daughter, Meredith, cannot forgive Tommy, leaving him with a lingering sense of guilt.
Mary, Tommy’s wife, confesses that she kept Mr. Fein’s final recording, though she knows she can never share it with him.
Finally, in Eve in Hollywood, we follow Eve Ross, a character from Towles’s Rules of Civility, on a whirlwind adventure in Los Angeles. After a spur-of-the-moment decision to move to LA, Eve finds herself embroiled in a blackmail scandal involving nude photos of famous actresses.
With the help of a former detective, Charlie, and a washed-up actor, Prentice, Eve concocts a plan to retrieve the photos. However, their scheme is interrupted by Finnegan, the hotel’s head of security, who takes the photos for himself. Eve eventually outsmarts Finnegan, ensuring the photos are returned to the studio in a manner that protects the actresses’ dignity.
Characters
Pushkin and Irina (“The Line”)
Pushkin and Irina are Russian farmers whose lives are drastically altered by the political upheavals of the Russian Revolution. Irina is driven by a fierce dedication to the Bolshevik cause, thriving in the environment of Moscow where she quickly adapts to the new political and social structures.
Her character is a portrayal of resilience and adaptability, representing those who find their purpose in tumultuous times by aligning with the prevailing forces. Pushkin, in contrast, struggles to find his place in the rapidly changing world.
His development of a business based on waiting in line reflects his inability to integrate into the new system in any meaningful way. He is a passive character, largely swept along by the decisions of others—first by Irina, and later by circumstance.
The move to New York City symbolizes a second chance at life, but Pushkin remains largely unchanged, still defined by his passivity and his reliance on others, as seen in his role at the soup kitchen.
Timothy Touchett and Pennybrook (“The Ballad of Timothy Touchett”)
Timothy Touchett is an aspiring writer who becomes entangled in the world of rare books and forgery. His character represents the dangers of losing oneself in the pursuit of success, as his initial interest in literature turns into a morally dubious venture under the influence of Pennybrook, a rare bookseller.
Pennybrook serves as the catalyst for Timothy’s downfall, manipulating him into forging signatures on first editions. Timothy’s gradual moral decline is reflected in his increasing wealth, which ultimately becomes his undoing.
His story is a cautionary tale about the risks of compromising one’s integrity for the sake of material gain. Pennybrook, on the other hand, embodies the corrupting influence of greed and the ease with which one can justify unethical behavior when blinded by the prospect of financial success.
Jerry and Smitty (“Hasta Luego”)
Jerry and Smitty are two travelers whose flights are delayed, leading to an unexpected and revealing encounter. Smitty, with his boisterous and friendly personality, initially appears as a positive force, bringing people together in a difficult situation.
However, the revelation of his alcohol abuse disorder introduces a layer of complexity to his character. Smitty’s charm is a mask for deeper issues, and his story highlights the sometimes destructive nature of addiction, even when it appears harmless or even endearing to those around him.
Jerry, in contrast, is initially a passive participant in the situation but takes on a more active role as he realizes the extent of Smitty’s problems. His decision to monitor Smitty reflects his own concerns about the fragility of human connections and the desire to protect those he cares about, even at personal inconvenience.
The relationship between Jerry and Smitty underscores themes of responsibility, empathy, and the unseen struggles that often lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary interactions.
Nell, Peggy, John, and Jeremy (“I Will Survive”)
Nell is a character driven by suspicion and concern for her mother, Peggy, as she investigates whether her stepfather, John, is having an affair. Her discovery of John’s roller-skating hobby reveals a deeper truth about their family dynamics.
John, who finds true joy in roller-skating, represents a person seeking fulfillment in ways that may not align with societal expectations or even the expectations of his family. Peggy’s reaction to John’s hobby highlights her discomfort with being excluded from what brings him happiness, leading to the deterioration of their marriage.
This story explores themes of happiness, the complexities of marital relationships, and the sometimes elusive nature of personal fulfillment. Jeremy, Nell’s husband, also gains insight into the importance of individual joy and the need for understanding in relationships, though his role is more observational, serving as a counterpoint to Nell’s active pursuit of the truth.
Tommy, Mary, Mr. Fein, and Meredith (“The Bootlegger”)
Tommy is a character who becomes increasingly obsessed with Mr. Fein, an older man who records performances at Carnegie Hall. Tommy’s actions are driven by a mixture of curiosity, irritation, and a misguided sense of righteousness, leading him to report Mr. Fein.
Mr. Fein, who is revealed to be grieving the loss of his wife, uses the recordings as a way to cope with his loss. His character embodies the theme of how people deal with grief and the personal rituals they create to manage their pain.
The eventual banning of Mr. Fein from Carnegie Hall and Tommy’s subsequent apology introduce a moral complexity, as Tommy’s actions have unintended consequences that he did not foresee.
Meredith, Mr. Fein’s daughter, represents the lasting impact of grief and the bitterness that can arise when one feels wronged.
Her curse on Tommy reflects the idea that guilt and remorse can be as powerful and enduring as any tangible punishment.
Mary, Tommy’s wife, plays a more subtle role, but her decision to keep Mr. Fein’s last recording without sharing it with Tommy suggests a deep understanding of loss and the value of memory, as well as the secrets that often exist within a marriage.
Skinner, Peter, Lucas, and Sharon (“The DiDomenico Fragment”)
Skinner is a character driven by financial insecurity and the hope of securing a better future through the sale of a valuable fragment of a painting. His attempts to convince his cousin, Peter, to sell the fragment reveal his cunning and desperation.
Skinner’s character is a study in the lengths people will go to secure financial stability, even at the expense of family ties.
Peter, who owns the fragment, is torn between family tradition and the influence of his wife, Sharon, who hates the painting.
Lucas, their son, represents a more innocent attachment to the family legacy, valuing the fragment for its sentimental and historical significance rather than its monetary worth.
Sharon’s dislike of the painting introduces a conflict between personal taste and family heritage, highlighting the tensions that arise when material and emotional values collide.
The story ultimately shows how greed and manipulation can backfire, as Skinner is excluded from the finder’s fee, leaving him financially insecure but perhaps more connected to his family.
Evelyn “Eve” Ross, Charlie, Prentice, Olivia, Marcus, and Finnegan (“Eve in Hollywood”)
Evelyn “Eve” Ross is a character from Towles’s earlier novel Rules of Civility, who takes center stage in the novella “Eve in Hollywood.” Eve is a resourceful and determined woman who navigates the treacherous waters of Hollywood with a blend of charm, wit, and cunning.
Her decision to go to Los Angeles on a whim reflects her adventurous spirit and desire to explore new opportunities. Throughout the novella, Eve demonstrates her ability to adapt to different situations and leverage her relationships to achieve her goals, such as when she enlists the help of Charlie and Prentice to deal with the blackmailers.
Charlie, a former homicide detective, and Prentice, a has-been actor, both represent the faded glory of Hollywood, each grappling with their pasts in different ways.
Olivia, a famous starlet, and Marcus, a lawyer for Selznick International Pictures, are emblematic of the power and glamour of Hollywood, but also its vulnerabilities, as seen in the scandal surrounding the nude photos.
Finnegan, the head of security at the Beverly Hills Hotel, is a darker character, representing the corruption and ruthlessness that often lurks beneath the surface of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour.
His actions in killing the blackmailers and attempting to keep the photos for himself show the lengths to which people will go to maintain control and power in such a cutthroat environment.
Eve’s ultimate success in framing Finnegan and securing the photos, albeit cropped to remove the nudity, underscores her intelligence, resourcefulness, and moral flexibility in a world where such traits are necessary for survival and success.
Themes
Attaining and Experiencing Happiness Amidst Societal Constraints and Personal Struggles
In “Table for Two,” Amor Towles explores the theme of happiness as an elusive and multifaceted pursuit, deeply intertwined with societal constraints and personal struggles. Each character’s journey towards happiness is not a straightforward quest but a complex negotiation between individual desires and the expectations imposed by society.
For instance, in “The Line,” Irina finds fulfillment in her political work in post-revolutionary Russia, embodying the idea that happiness can be found in a cause larger than oneself. In contrast, Pushkin’s passive existence, marked by his reluctance to leave his homeland, underscores the difficulty of achieving happiness when one is burdened by inertia and fear of the unknown.
This theme is further examined in “I Will Survive,” where John’s joy in roller-skating becomes a point of contention in his marriage, highlighting how personal happiness can create rifts when it excludes or alienates loved ones. The novella “Eve in Hollywood” presents a more cynical view, where happiness is depicted as a byproduct of power and control, as Eve manipulates those around her to secure a sense of satisfaction.
In this way, Towles suggests that happiness is not only a matter of personal fulfillment but also a reflection of one’s ability to navigate, or even manipulate, the complex social structures in which they are embedded.
Power, Wealth, and the Individual’s Moral Compromise in a Capitalist Society
Towles deftly weaves the theme of power and wealth through the fabric of each story, illustrating the moral compromises individuals make to attain or maintain their status in a capitalist society.
In “The Ballad of Timothy Touchett,” Timothy’s descent into forgery reveals the corrupting influence of wealth, as his initial admiration for literature becomes tainted by his desire for financial gain.
The story critiques the way capitalism can commodify even the most sacred of human endeavors, such as art and literature, turning them into mere tools for personal advancement. Similarly, in “The Bootlegger,” Tommy’s act of reporting Mr. Fein, motivated by a mixture of jealousy and moral righteousness, leads to unintended consequences that underscore the fragility of power and the ease with which it can be misused.
The novella “Eve in Hollywood” further explores this theme by portraying the entertainment industry as a microcosm of capitalist America, where power dynamics are constantly in flux, and individuals must navigate a world rife with manipulation, exploitation, and moral ambiguity.
Through these stories, Towles critiques the capitalist ethos, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth often leads to a hollow existence, where true fulfillment is sacrificed for material gain.
The Duality of Social Expectations: Conformity and Rebellion in the Pursuit of Identity
In “Table for Two,” Towles presents social expectations as a dual force that both shapes and confines individual identity, prompting characters to either conform to or rebel against societal norms.
This theme is vividly portrayed in “The Line,” where Irina’s commitment to the Bolshevik cause represents conformity to a new societal order, while Pushkin’s reluctance to leave Russia reflects a resistance to change and a yearning for stability in the face of societal upheaval.
The tension between conformity and rebellion is also evident in “Hasta Luego,” where Jerry is initially drawn to Smitty’s larger-than-life personality but ultimately realizes the dangers of living outside societal norms, as Smitty’s alcoholism reveals the dark side of his rebellious nature.
In “The DiDomenico Fragment,” Skinner’s attempts to manipulate his family into selling a cherished painting fragment reflect the pressures of societal expectations to prioritize financial security over personal or familial connections.
Meanwhile, the novella “Eve in Hollywood” explores the superficiality of Hollywood’s social scene, where characters are constantly performing roles both on and off the screen, blurring the lines between their true selves and the identities they project to conform to or subvert societal expectations.
Towles thus delves into the complexities of identity formation, suggesting that the struggle between conformity and rebellion is a defining aspect of the human experience.
The Intersection of Memory, Loss, and the Passage of Time in Shaping Identity and Relationships
Memory and loss are recurring motifs in “Table for Two,” serving as lenses through which characters grapple with the passage of time and its impact on their identities and relationships.
In “The Bootlegger,” Mr. Fein’s obsessive recording of performances at Carnegie Hall is an attempt to preserve memories of his deceased wife, illustrating how memory can both anchor and imprison individuals in the past.
The act of recording becomes a metaphor for the human desire to hold onto fleeting moments, even as time inexorably moves forward.
Similarly, in “The DiDomenico Fragment,” the fragmented painting symbolizes the fragmentation of memory and the way in which past experiences, passed down through generations, shape family dynamics and individual identities.
The novella “Eve in Hollywood” further explores this theme by depicting Eve’s encounters in Los Angeles as both a confrontation with her past and an attempt to carve out a new identity amidst the shifting sands of Hollywood’s cultural landscape.
Towles suggests that memory and loss are integral to the human condition, shaping not only how individuals perceive themselves but also how they connect with others.
The passage of time, while inevitable, is portrayed as a force that can either deepen these connections or erode them, depending on how individuals choose to engage with their memories and the losses they endure.
The Complexity of Moral Ambiguity and Ethical Dilemmas in Personal and Professional Lives
Towles’s collection is rich with moral ambiguity, as characters navigate ethical dilemmas that challenge their values and force them to make difficult choices.
In “The Ballad of Timothy Touchett,” the protagonist’s initial foray into forgery is portrayed as a victimless crime, but as he becomes more entrenched in the world of counterfeit, the lines between right and wrong blur, raising questions about the morality of art and the ethics of deception.
The story challenges readers to consider whether the pursuit of success justifies the means, especially when those means involve compromising one’s integrity.
In “I Will Survive,” Nell’s investigation into her stepfather’s potential infidelity is driven by a desire to protect her mother, yet it leads to the unraveling of her parents’ marriage, highlighting the unintended consequences of meddling in others’ lives.
The novella “Eve in Hollywood” presents a web of ethical dilemmas as Eve navigates the morally gray world of Hollywood, where loyalty, honesty, and justice are constantly at odds with personal ambition and survival.
Towles uses these stories to explore the complexity of moral choices, suggesting that ethical dilemmas are an inescapable part of life, where clear-cut answers are often elusive, and individuals must learn to live with the consequences of their actions.