Last Night At The Lobster

LAST NIGHT AT THE LOBSTER

by Stewart O’Nan

 

Nominations: Dublin Longlist 2009, LA Times Finalist 2007

 

Date Read: November 22, 2021

 

I loved this novella about a team’s last day working at Red Lobster. Readers get an inside look at working for a chain restaurant and one that’s going to shut down the following day. What makes this even more interesting are the characters who show up to work this final shift.

 

Manny, the manager, is a man of integrity through-and-through. Even though it’s the last day, he performs all his duties by the book. He doesn’t slack in the slightest, doesn’t deface any property or steal anything. A lot of low-paid workers would probably contemplate all three. Then again, he has a new position at Olive Garden and doesn’t want to ruin his chances. 

 

A bitter employee, Eddie, does make things difficult however. In a fit of rage he slashes Manny and chef Ty’s leather coats. He also takes a potato masher to both of their windshields,  particularly destructive because the snow is piling up in what is nearly a blizzard. Knowing these guys don’t make much money, this was particularly upsetting. I can’t imagine what percentage of income it would take to replace.

 

As crappy of a job as this may be, Manny seems sad to let it go. He has a pregnant girlfriend at home and is having a difficult time committing because his heart still belongs to Jackie, a fellow employee. O’Nan never makes it quite clear why they couldn’t share a future. While they both seem to have moved on, Manny is still stuck in his feelings for her.

 

Manny is what makes this novella a gem. I would hire him for just about anything.

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