In the tradition of modern classics The Dinner and A Gentleman in Moscow comes
The Waiter, in which the finely tuned balance of a grand European restaurant
(that has seen better days) is irrevocably upset by an unexpected guest. In a
centuries-old European restaurant called The Hills, a middle-aged waiter takes
pride in the unchangeable aspects of his job: the well-worn uniform, the
ragged but solid tablecloths, and the regular diners. Some are there daily,
like Graham Le Gris-also known as The Pig-and his dignified group of
aesthetes; the slightly more free-spirited drinking company around Tom
Sellers; and the closest one can get to personal friends of the waiter, Edgar
and his young daughter, Anna. In this universe unto itself, there is scarcely
any contact between the tables...until a beautiful and well-groomed young
woman walks through the door and upsets the delicate balance of the restaurant
and all it has come to represent. Like living in a snow globe, The Waiter is a
captivating study in miniature. Everything is just so, and that's exactly how
the waiter needs it to be. One can understand why he becomes anxious when
things begin to change. In fact, given the circumstances, anxiety just might
be the most sensible response... With the sophistication of The Remains of the
Day and the eccentricity of The Elegance of the Hedgehog, The Waiter marks the
North American debut of an exciting new voice in literary fiction.
In the tradition of modern classics The Dinner and A Gentleman in Moscow comes
The Waiter, in which the finely tuned balance of a grand European restaurant
(that has seen better days) is irrevocably upset by an unexpected guest. In a
centuries-old European restaurant called The Hills, a middle-aged waiter takes
pride in the unchangeable aspects of his job: the well-worn uniform, the
ragged but solid tablecloths, and the regular diners. Some are there daily,
like Graham Le Gris-also known as The Pig-and his dignified group of
aesthetes; the slightly more free-spirited drinking company around Tom
Sellers; and the closest one can get to personal friends of the waiter, Edgar
and his young daughter, Anna. In this universe unto itself, there is scarcely
any contact between the tables...until a beautiful and well-groomed young
woman walks through the door and upsets the delicate balance of the restaurant
and all it has come to represent. Like living in a snow globe, The Waiter is a
captivating study in miniature. Everything is just so, and that's exactly how
the waiter needs it to be. One can understand why he becomes anxious when
things begin to change. In fact, given the circumstances, anxiety just might
be the most sensible response... With the sophistication of The Remains of the
Day and the eccentricity of The Elegance of the Hedgehog, The Waiter marks the
North American debut of an exciting new voice in literary fiction.
