For grown-ups interested in corporate drama, this novel explores the intense struggle of an independent hotel battling to survive a corporate takeover in 1960s New Orleans.
A parent might reach for this book for a mature teen fascinated by business, history, or the intricate workings of a complex organization. While the title given is incorrect, the book described is Arthur Hailey's "Hotel," a deep dive into the 24/7 drama of a grand New Orleans hotel in the 1960s. The story follows the staff as they fight off a corporate takeover while juggling crime, tragedy, and social upheaval. It explores themes of resilience, integrity, and corporate ethics. Suitable for older teens (16-18), this novel is a compelling, realistic look at a world where every decision has high stakes, making it perfect for a reader ready for more complex, adult literary fiction.
Includes a character's accidental death and themes of professional failure.
Substance ReferencesMild
Characters frequently drink alcohol and smoke, which is typical for the era.
Moral AmbiguityModerate
Characters make ethically questionable decisions to protect themselves or the hotel.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the overt racism and segregation of the 1960s American South. There is also an attempted sexual assault (thwarted), a fatal accident, themes of blackmail, and marital infidelity. The approach is realistic for the period, not metaphorical. The resolution is realistic and somewhat hopeful, but it acknowledges the inevitable shift toward corporate consolidation.
Ideal Reader
A mature teen, 16 to 18, with an interest in business, economics, or social history. This reader enjoys complex, multi-character novels where the setting or institution is as much a character as the people. It is a great fit for a teen who likes procedural dramas and wants to understand the mechanics of an industry.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the scenes involving the hotel thief's tactics and the attempted assault. It would be beneficial to provide context for the 1960s setting, particularly the realities of racial segregation in the South, which the book depicts unflinchingly. The book can be read cold, but a pre-discussion about the historical context will enrich the experience. A parent has a teen who just finished a John Grisham novel and is looking for something similar in complexity but different in subject. Or the teen has expressed interest in the "Mad Men" era and wants to read fiction from that time that explores corporate and social dynamics.
Age Experience
A 16-year-old will likely be drawn to the immediate drama: the theft, the accident, and the various personal scandals. An 18-year-old, particularly one college-bound, may appreciate the more subtle themes of business ethics, the individual versus the corporation, labor relations, and the novel's snapshot of social change.
What Makes It Special
Unlike typical dramas, this book's unique quality is its meticulous, almost documentary-style deep dive into the hotel industry. Arthur Hailey's signature is turning an institution into the protagonist. The novel is a masterclass in weaving multiple, intricate subplots together to create a comprehensive, fascinating portrait of a system under immense pressure.
Read plot summary
Arthur Hailey's 1965 novel chronicles a dramatic five-day period at the St. Gregory, a prestigious but financially struggling independent hotel in New Orleans. General Manager Peter McDermott navigates a series of crises: a ducal hit-and-run, a cunning hotel thief, a convention of dentists, a failing elevator, and racial tensions. All this unfolds under the looming threat of a hostile takeover by the ruthlessly efficient O'Keefe hotel chain, forcing the owner and staff to confront their values and the hotel's future.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Peter McDermott prides himself on professional integrity. Do you think his actions regarding the Duke and Duchess of Croydon were justified? Why or why not?
2
The novel was written in 1965. How did the depiction of racial tensions, like Keycase's story or the hotel's segregation policies, make you feel? How have things changed or stayed the same?
3
Warren Trent wants to keep the St. Gregory independent, while Curtis O'Keefe represents corporate efficiency. Who did you find yourself rooting for, and what do you think the book says about small businesses versus large corporations?
4
Christine Francis faces a choice between her personal feelings for Peter and a major career opportunity with O'Keefe. What would you have done in her position, and why?
