I picked up this book because my local library was running a book discussion on this book on a Tuesday night, and I thought I might go. While I did not attend the discussion group (alas, no baby sitter), I am glad I read the book. It was a nice way to spend an evening.
The book chronicles almost an hour by hour telling of a Red Lobster that will be closing its doors for good at the end of the night. The protagonist and voice through which we read the story is the manager, Manny, and he relates all the challenges (getting food and equipment ready on time, dealing with unreasonable customers, and handling touchy employee relations) through this some- what emotional night for him. Add the fact that business has been hampered by a snow storm. This turns out to be a good thing because it gives him time to reflect on the people that he has worked with for so long and how their lives have become intertwined, including Jacquie, a past love interest that he fears will walk out of his life forever at the end of the night.
I had to laugh because there are so many stereotypical characters in this book that it made it so much more believable for me. I have worked in the restaurant industry, and I recognized some of my fellow employees: the professional, hard-core waitress, the swearing bossy but efficient cook, the silent workers in the back, the female college student people hate, the sneaky bartender, the manager that has family issues... often children out of wedlock... and usually in some time of love triangle :) odd how similar.
I have not read any of Stewart O'Nan's books before, but I must say that I love the picturesque descriptions and emotions conveyed in his writing. The book opens as such "Mall traffic on a gray winter's day, stalled. Midmorning and the streetlights are still on, weakly" (1). Wow. That are two well crafted sentences. He draws you into the scene in should an eloquent way that it always is surprising that you find yourself responded to a book about Red Lobster in such a way.
This book in itself is a good study in human nature. Manny, the main character, is multi faceted throughout. He questions his situation (professional and personal); he tries to do the right thing; he ultimately cares for all that have worked for him; and like many, he struggles with the challenges of life. You find yourself really connecting with him and hope that he finds peace in his life.
This is a quick read... but beware.. you will probably want to go to Red Lobster when you are done. I did, and funny thing... one of my friends was talking about how she had a gift certificate to the restaurant and she hoped she could use it all before they close... :)
