Last Night at the Lobster
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
146
Novel • Fiction
New Britain, Connecticut • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan details a single December day at a closing Red Lobster in Connecticut. The story follows Manny DeLon, the restaurant's devoted general manager, as he navigates the last shift amidst a snowstorm, staff insubordination, and his lingering feelings for a former lover, Jacquie. Manny faces the emotional weight of transitioning his mixed, soon-to-be-disbanded team to an Olive Garden and confronting unfinished personal matters.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Heartwarming
13,275 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Stewart O'Nan's Last Night at the Lobster is lauded for its poignant depiction of ordinary lives, capturing the quiet struggles and dignity of the working class. The narrative’s attention to detail and character depth are praised. However, some critics find the plot uneventful and the pace slow. Overall, it’s considered a touching, albeit subdued, exploration of everyday resilience.
A reader who would enjoy Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan likely appreciates character-driven stories that delve into the nuances of everyday life. Fans of Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout or The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro will find the exploration of ordinary but poignant moments particularly engaging.
13,275 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
146
Novel • Fiction
New Britain, Connecticut • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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