Reviews"Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "None of the main characters gets a pass in this dark comedy, and it's a lot of fun: Democrats, Republicans, writers, and even one magazine editor who binges on sugar-dusted sticks of butter-Leavitt skewers them all in this delectable novel. A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Leavitt gleefully skewers his characters and those in their orbit-top-tier Manhattan decorators get into internecine fights, and a recently fired book editor friend of the Lindquists excoriates what he calls the "fucking Jonathans" (Foer, Franzen, Lethem, etc.)-and nearly pulls off a surprise ending, which, though out of left field, adds to the amusement. This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." -- Publishers Weekly "A delightfully sly comedy of manners . . . comic and poignant . . . Readers will take in décor of the one-percent, jealous riffs on famous writers, and caricatured liberals and conservatives with voyeuristic glee." -- Booklist, "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres "Brave and risky . . . Leavitt is a fluent, clever writer . . . he has such page-turning craft that you read enthusiastically." -- The New York Times Book Review on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "David Leavitt's lean, stylish new novel unfurls like a classic Hollywood film, crackling with intrigue and illicit romance . . .[Leavitt] transports the reader to wayward world racked by historic upheaval and intimate demons." -- O, the Oprah Magazine, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "Leavitt writes beautifully and fluently, his scenes studded with precise detail . . . a bracing ending, proving Leavitt as much a master of clarity as he is of confusion." -- Gay City News, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "A deftly executed piece of literary historical fiction." -- The Washington Post, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS, "Brave and risky . . . Leavitt is a fluent, clever writer . . . he has such page-turning craft that you read enthusiastically." -- The New York Times Book Review on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "David Leavitt's lean, stylish new novel unfurls like a classic Hollywood film, crackling with intrigue and illicit romance . . .[Leavitt] transports the reader to wayward world racked by historic upheaval and intimate demons." -- O, the Oprah Magazine, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "Leavitt writes beautifully and fluently, his scenes studded with precise detail . . . a bracing ending, proving Leavitt as much a master of clarity as he is of confusion." -- Gay City News, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "A deftly executed piece of literary historical fiction." -- The Washington Post, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS, "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "None of the main characters gets a pass in this dark comedy, and it's a lot of fun: Democrats, Republicans, writers, and even one magazine editor who binges on sugar-dusted sticks of butter-Leavitt skewers them all in this delectable novel. A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review " Leavitt gleefully skewers his characters and those in their orbit--top-tier Manhattan decorators get into internecine fights, and a recently fired book editor friend of the Lindquists excoriates what he calls the "fucking Jonathans" (Foer, Franzen, Lethem, etc.)--and nearly pulls off a surprise ending, which, though out of left field, adds to the amusement. This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." - Publishers Weekly, "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "None of the main characters gets a pass in this dark comedy, and it's a lot of fun: Democrats, Republicans, writers, and even one magazine editor who binges on sugar-dusted sticks of butter-Leavitt skewers them all in this delectable novel. A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review, "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE, "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and deceptive humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE, "Brave and risky . . . Leavitt is a fluent, clever writer . . . he has such page-turning craft that you read enthusiastically." - The New York Times Book Review on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "David Leavitt's lean, stylish new novel unfurls like a classic Hollywood film, crackling with intrigue and illicit romance . . .[Leavitt] transports the reader to wayward world racked by historic upheaval and intimate demons." - O, the Oprah Magazine, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "Leavitt writes beautifully and fluently, his scenes studded with precise detail . . . a bracing ending, proving Leavitt as much a master of clarity as he is of confusion." - Gay City News, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "A deftly executed piece of literary historical fiction." - The Washington Post, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS, "There is an art to writing about unlikable people while still engaging the reader to invest in their indulgence, vanity and, yes, happiness . . . compelling . . . [and] kookily endearing." - The New York Times Book Review "Allusions to Edith Wharton and Henry James abound. Leavitt easily nails the trappings of entitlement, [playing] privileged, shallow characters for their unwitting part in the current reality." - NPR.org "A story that is more about the concept of Trump than the election itself...Leavitt injects a welcome degree of humor and diversion into the proceedings...a brilliant fiction." - Washington Independent Review of Books "Leavitt is a master at pointing out problems without telling you he's doing so -- a kind of subtlety that is imperative for effective criticism...If you're a fan of books that explore the intricacies of wealth, politics, love, and friendship, you'll want to pick up Shelter in Place. " - Paperback Paris "A thoroughly modern comedy of manners, Shelter in Place is both one of the best novels of the year as well as the most humorous." - Bay Area Reporter "A thoroughly entertaining read." - Zoomer Magazine "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." - Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." - Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." - Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." - Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." - Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "A brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality." - David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." - Publishers Weekly "A delightfully sly comedy of manners . . . Readers will take in décor of the one-percent, jealous riffs on famous writers, and caricatured liberals and conservatives with voyeuristic glee." - Booklist, "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "None of the main characters gets a pass in this dark comedy, and it's a lot of fun: Democrats, Republicans, writers, and even one magazine editor who binges on sugar-dusted sticks of butter-Leavitt skewers them all in this delectable novel. A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Leavitt gleefully skewers his characters and those in their orbit-top-tier Manhattan decorators get into internecine fights, and a recently fired book editor friend of the Lindquists excoriates what he calls the "fucking Jonathans" (Foer, Franzen, Lethem, etc.)-and nearly pulls off a surprise ending, which, though out of left field, adds to the amusement. This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." -- Publishers Weekly, " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of Weather, "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "None of the main characters gets a pass in this dark comedy, and it's a lot of fun: Democrats, Republicans, writers, and even one magazine editor who binges on sugar-dusted sticks of butter-Leavitt skewers them all in this delectable novel. A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Leavitt gleefully skewers his characters and those in their orbit-top-tier Manhattan decorators get into internecine fights, and a recently fired book editor friend of the Lindquists excoriates what he calls the "fucking Jonathans" (Foer, Franzen, Lethem, etc.)-and nearly pulls off a surprise ending, which, though out of left field, adds to the amusement. This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." -- Publishers Weekly "A delightfully sly comedy of manners . . . comic and poignant . . . Readers will take in décor of the one-percent, jealous riffs on famous writers, and caricatured liberals and conservatives with voyeuristic glee." -- Booklist "Leavitt is a master at pointing out problems without telling you he's doing so - a kind of subtlety that is imperative for effective criticism...If you're a fan of books that explore the intricacies of wealth, politics, love, and friendship, you'll want to pick up Shelter in Place ." -- Paperback Paris, "There is an art to writing about unlikable people while still engaging the reader to invest in their indulgence, vanity and, yes, happiness . . . compelling . . . [and] kookily endearing." - The New York Times Book Review "Allusions to Edith Wharton and Henry James abound. Leavitt easily nails the trappings of entitlement, [playing] privileged, shallow characters for their unwitting part in the current reality." - NPR.org "A story that is more about the concept of Trump than the election itself...Leavitt injects a welcome degree of humor and diversion into the proceedings...a brilliant fiction." - Washington Independent Review of Books "Leavitt is a master at pointing out problems without telling you he's doing so -- a kind of subtlety that is imperative for effective criticism...If you're a fan of books that explore the intricacies of wealth, politics, love, and friendship, you'll want to pick up Shelter in Place. " - Paperback Paris "A thoroughly modern comedy of manners, Shelter in Place is both one of the best novels of the year as well as the most humorous." - Bay Area Reporter "A thoroughly entertaining read." - Zoomer Magazine "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." - Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." - Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." - Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." - Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." - Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "A brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality." - David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." - Publishers Weekly "A delightfully sly comedy of manners . . . Readers will take in décor of the one-percent, jealous riffs on famous writers, and caricatured liberals and conservatives with voyeuristic glee." - Booklist "Leavitt, using sharp social observations softened by humor, underscores the often well-meaning but impotent actions of the moneyed class. Readers looking for a contemporary plot, colorful characters and sly wit will enjoy this topical novel." - Shelf Awareness, "Brave and risky . . . Leavitt is a fluent, clever writer . . . he has such page-turning craft that you read enthusiastically." -- The New York Times Book Review on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "David Leavitt's lean, stylish new novel unfurls like a classic Hollywood film, crackling with intrigue and illicit romance . . .[Leavitt] transports the reader to wayward world racked by historic upheaval and intimate demons." -- O, the Oprah Magazine, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "Leavitt writes beautifully and fluently, his scenes studded with precise detail . . . a bracing ending, proving Leavitt as much a master of clarity as he is of confusion." -- Gay City News, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "A deftly executed piece of literary historical fiction." -- The Washington Post, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART, "Brave and risky . . . Leavitt is a fluent, clever writer . . . he has such page-turning craft that you read enthusiastically." - The New York Times Book Review on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "David Leavitt's lean, stylish new novel unfurls like a classic Hollywood film, crackling with intrigue and illicit romance . . .[Leavitt] transports the reader to wayward world racked by historic upheaval and intimate demons." - O, the Oprah Magazine, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "Leavitt writes beautifully and fluently, his scenes studded with precise detail . . . a bracing ending, proving Leavitt as much a master of clarity as he is of confusion." - Gay City News, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "A deftly executed piece of literary historical fiction." - The Washington Post, on THE TWO HOTEL FRANCFORTS "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." - Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." - Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." - Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " 'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more--to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." - David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART, "There is an art to writing about unlikable people while still engaging the reader to invest in their indulgence, vanity and, yes, happiness . . . compelling . . . [and] kookily endearing." - The New York Times Book Review "Allusions to Edith Wharton and Henry James abound. Leavitt easily nails the trappings of entitlement, [playing] privileged, shallow characters for their unwitting part in the current reality." - NPR.org "A story that is more about the concept of Trump than the election itself...Leavitt injects a welcome degree of humor and diversion into the proceedings...a brilliant fiction." - Washington Independent Review of Books "Leavitt is a master at pointing out problems without telling you he's doing so -- a kind of subtlety that is imperative for effective criticism...If you're a fan of books that explore the intricacies of wealth, politics, love, and friendship, you'll want to pick up Shelter in Place. " - Paperback Paris "A thoroughly modern comedy of manners, Shelter in Place is both one of the best novels of the year as well as the most humorous." - Bay Area Reporter "A thoroughly entertaining read." - Zoomer Magazine "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." - Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." - Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." - Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." - Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." - Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "A brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality." - David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." - Publishers Weekly "A delightfully sly comedy of manners . . . Readers will take in décor of the one-percent, jealous riffs on famous writers, and caricatured liberals and conservatives with voyeuristic glee." - Booklist "Leavitt, using sharp social observations softened by humor, underscores the often well-meaning but impotent actions of the moneyed class. Readers looking for a contemporary plot, colorful characters and sly wit will enjoy this topical novel." - Shelf Awareness "Sharply etched, funny and enjoyable." - Francine Prose, "Very funny and unexpected, a material response to our times, plush as velvet." -- Rachel Cusk, author of The Outline Trilogy and COVENTRY "A wickedly funny and emotionally expansive novel about all the bewildering ways we seek solace from the people and things that surround us." -- Jenny Offill, author of WEATHER "David Leavitt is a masterful writer, and his dialogue, his innate sense of the rhythm of how people talk to each other, both in public and in private, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible not to be pulled into this novel, to see the epicenter of chaos in the lives of these characters, and listen to them try to talk themselves into a new imagining of the world. With precision and humor, Leavitt has created something amazing." -- Kevin Wilson, author of NOTHING TO SEE HERE "I've long been a fan of David Leavitt's work, for its range, its depth, its smarts and its humor. He is a phenomenal and prescient writer." -- Justin Torres, author of WE THE ANIMALS " Shelter in Place is a poignant, funny, wonderful novel, a pleasure and a joy." -- Donald Antrim, author of ELECT MR. ROBINSON FOR A BETTER WORLD and THE EMERALD LIGHT IN THE AIR "'Humankind cannot stand very much reality.' So a character in David Leavitt's novel, Shelter in Place , quotes T. S. Eliot. Leavitt has written a brilliant comedy of manners about the convoluted ways that people of taste, affluence, privilege, breeding, etc. avoid looking too closely at their own part in said reality. Shelter in Place is a book about people who are essentially spectators, bystanders, but who wish to be more-to be people of action. Among the book's themes are the relationship between altruism and self-preservation, and the highly ephemeral nature of a certain kind of sophistication." -- David Salle, artist and author of HOW TO SEE: LOOKING, TALKING, AND THINKING ABOUT ART "None of the main characters gets a pass in this dark comedy, and it's a lot of fun: Democrats, Republicans, writers, and even one magazine editor who binges on sugar-dusted sticks of butter-Leavitt skewers them all in this delectable novel. A humane, knowing comedy perfect for a moment when no one in America seems to like one another." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Leavitt gleefully skewers his characters and those in their orbit-top-tier Manhattan decorators get into internecine fights, and a recently fired book editor friend of the Lindquists excoriates what he calls the "fucking Jonathans" (Foer, Franzen, Lethem, etc.)-and nearly pulls off a surprise ending, which, though out of left field, adds to the amusement. This irresistible, laugh-out-loud romp is a winner." -- Publishers Weekly "A delightfully sly comedy of manners . . . comic and poignant . . . Readers will take in décor of the one-percent, jealous riffs on famous writers, and caricatured liberals and conservatives with voyeuristic glee." -- Booklist "Leavitt is a master at pointing out problems without telling you he's doing so -- a kind of subtlety that is imperative for effective criticism...If you're a fan of books that explore the intricacies of wealth, politics, love, and friendship, you'll want to pick up Shelter in Place ." - Paperback Paris
Dewey Edition23