Rules of Civility: A Novel

From the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lincoln Highway and A Gentleman in Moscow, a “sharply stylish” (Boston Globe) book about a young woman in post-Depression era New York who suddenly finds herself thrust into high society—now with over one million readers worldwide

On the last night of 1937, twenty-five-year-old Katey Kontent is in a second-rate Greenwich Village jazz bar when Tinker Grey, a handsome banker, happens to sit down at the neighboring table. This chance encounter and its startling consequences propel Katey on a year-long journey into the upper echelons of New York society—where she will have little to rely upon other than a bracing wit and her own brand of cool nerve.

With its sparkling depiction of New York’s social strata, its intricate imagery and themes, and its immensely appealing characters, Rules of Civility won the hearts of readers and critics alike.

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Published Jun 26, 2012

368 pages

Average rating: 7.62

507 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

MindiL
May 23, 2025
9/10 stars
A shear joy to read. Beautiful descriptions of that era in NYC.
Anonymous
Apr 19, 2025
10/10 stars
Best book I have read all year! Amor's words sounded like music. I loved the rhythm of this book. Such a satisfying book.
wardbunch
Mar 26, 2025
10/10 stars
Enjoyed every minute of this NYC frolic.
AaronLin
Feb 05, 2025
10/10 stars
Good read
Anonymous
Jan 01, 2025
10/10 stars
This was a bitter sweet read that made me feel really nostalgic.

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