Editorial Content for A Small Hotel
Book
Reviewer (text)
A SMALL HOTEL, Robert Olen Butler’s latest novel, is an engaging history of a married couple’s relationship with an unconventional format. Throughout the book, the reader is carried into different periods in Kelly and Michael’s life together, from their meeting at Mardi Gras to the beginning of divorce proceedings. The memories described are complemented with flashes of the present. Butler’s ability to engage the reader with his rich descriptions and smooth transitions is evident here.
"A SMALL HOTEL is a powerful statement about human nature."
Another noteworthy aspect of A SMALL HOTEL is Butler’s unique writing style. At first, I was taken aback by the long, prosaic descriptions that struck me as similar to that of Hemingway. As the story progressed, the flow of the sentences grew familiar and enhanced the desperation apparent throughout.
The plot of the story is generally satisfying. The ups and downs of Kelly and Michael’s relationship are not only sympathetic, but also emotionally stirring. Though I found the manner in which they met a bit ridiculous, their passion and dissention are very relatable.
Kelly and Michael, at first, have a fairy-tale relationship that isn’t quite realistic. Michael swoops in as the knight in shining armor to spare Kelly the humiliation of ogling drunkards at Mardi Gras. As sweet as that is, it makes the reader question the likelihood of this actually happening. Similarly, Michael saves Kelly from overdose. While this illustrates the strength of his residual feelings for her, the effect is a bit cheesy.
Everything between these events is a gradual deterioration. Michael and Kelly are just not getting what they need from each other, causing issues to ensue. Kelly is shown (in the present) emoting about what went wrong, all of which is very vividly described.
Overall, the story is cute and enjoyable. The depth of the descriptions makes the emotional undertones very evident; moving on (or not) is the main theme here. Michael gives up a shot at a new relationship for a valiant attempt to save his wife. This seems almost symbolic of Michael’s need to preserve the once-happy past. He cannot escape his memories, and thus must emulate them. A SMALL HOTEL is a powerful statement about human nature.
Teaser
Set in contemporary New Orleans but working its way back in time, A SMALL HOTEL chronicles the relationship between Michael and Kelly Hays, who have decided to separate after 24 years of marriage. Rather than go to court on the day they are to finalize their divorce, Kelly drives to the hotel where they fell in love some 25 years earlier, and where she now finds herself about to make a decision that will forever affect her.
Promo
Set in contemporary New Orleans but working its way back in time, A SMALL HOTEL chronicles the relationship between Michael and Kelly Hays, who have decided to separate after 24 years of marriage. Rather than go to court on the day they are to finalize their divorce, Kelly drives to the hotel where they fell in love some 25 years earlier, and where she now finds herself about to make a decision that will forever affect her.
About the Book
Set in contemporary New Orleans but working its way back in time, SMALL HOTEL chronicles the relationship between Michael and Kelly Hays, who have decided to separate after 24 years of marriage.
The book begins on the day that the Hays are to finalize their divorce. Kelly is due to be in court, but instead she drives from her home in Pensacola, Florida, across the panhandle to New Orleans and checks into Room 303 at the Olivier House in the city’s French Quarter --- the hotel where she and Michael fell in love some 25 years earlier and where she now finds herself about to make a decision that will forever affect her, Michael, and their 19-year-old daughter, Samantha.
An intelligent, deeply moving, and remarkably written portrait of a relationship that reads as a cross between a romance novel and a literary page turner, A SMALL HOTEL is a masterful story that will remind readers once again why Robert Olen Butler has been called the “best living American writer” (Jeff Guinn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
