Last Night at the Lobster

by Stewart O'Nan

There are only four shopping days left until Christmas when Manny DeLeon pulls his beat-up Buick Regal into the parking lot at the Red Lobster—his Red Lobster—at least for one more day. He’s been the general manager of the New Britain location for years and has come to feel a justified pride in its smooth performance. So the news that Darden Restaurants, Inc., plans to close the branch, demote him to assistant manager at a nearby Olive Garden, and fire thirty-nine of the forty-four employees he supervises was a shock that Manny wasn’t happy to face. (from Penguin reading guides)

A simple, great read. A Red Lobster's last night, a glimpse into the lives of the hourly-wagers. Reminded me of layaway at Ames, nights at the theater, being trapped in the photo booth....