Last Night at the Lobster

Last Night at the Lobster is a brilliant and timely novella that examines the last night before a New York based Red Lobster closes its doors, as told through the eyes of store manager, Manny. 

Author, Stewart O’Nan (The Odds; Emily Alone), has an uncanny ability to create a microcosm of a world that completely absorbs its readers.  In Last Night…, he exposes us to the hidden workings of the restaurant business, from kitchen prep, to the inner circles of the wait staff.   And he highlights the various recognizable characters who dine there, from the coupon clipper to the annoying child who won’t stay seated.  It’s because of this raw glimpse that readers will likely find themselves empathetic to the wait staff, despite their many flaws.  Of course, the book isn’t only about business.  Manny is a very real narrator, and his closing of the Lobster parallels his closing of many other metaphorical doors, as well.  To add to the whole ambience is the backdrop of a blizzard, complicating Manny’s expectations for his last night at the Lobster, and creating a growing sense of isolation.  Loved every minute of it.