Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan was an impulse IBD purchase. I was scanning for short books for my #toreadinaday prompt, and the title caught my eye. It’s about the manager of a Red Lobster named Manny, and the last night at the restaurant before it permanently closes. It’s snowy, it’s almost Christmas, Manny has recently had an affair with a waitress but his girlfriend (who he doesn’t care for as much) is pregnant, and nobody seems to care but him that it’s the last day.

This book is a bit melancholy, as Manny goes through the normal motions of managing a chain restaurant, constantly aware it’s the last time at THIS restaurant. He really, really does not want to close early, partially out of nostalgia and partly because he wants to have a perfect moment with said affair-having waitress, Jacquie.

I hadn’t heard of this book or seen it posted on Bookstagram about before buying it. It’s a bit older - it was published in 2007. I… really liked it? I loved the restaurant atmosphere and the portraits of the other restaurant workers. I enjoy a contemplative and reflective book about the ordinary - a Red Lobster, of all places! Not even a hip cool NYC restaurant like in Sweetbitter. Just a good ol’ Red Lobster in the suburbs. I really liked the character of Manny - far from perfect, but I his dedication to the restaurant was touching.

I’ve never read anything else by O’Nan, but he’s officially an author on my radar!

Also now I want some cheddar biscuits.