Entertaining Strangers is the first book by Jonathan Taylor.
This novel is narrated by Jules, a young homeless woman who is welcomed into the home of an odd, yet eccentric and intelligent man obsessed with ants named Edwin Prince.
Jules innocently and lovingly accepts Edwin’s hospitality. Over breakfast every day (which is basically nothing but plain vermouth), Edwin talks about his landlord, relatives, and ex-wife. Jules and Edwin become fast friends, and Jules even helps Edwin collect ants for his ant farm and rekindle some of his relationships
While staying with Edwin, Jules repeatedly has dreams and memories about tragedy, pain, and fire from something that happened 75 years ago. It appears Jules, Edwin, and other characters are pieces in a giant puzzle.
Entertaining Strangers is creative and probably geared toward intellectuals. It also offers an abundance of intriguing information about ants. The author mixes poetry into this book courtesy of Edwin’s character, which only heightens the richness of his character.
Who drinks vermouth straight out of the bottle? That’s gross.
Jonathan Taylor’s writing style reminds me a little bit of Neil Gaiman and Chuck Palahniuk.
What did you think about this book, did you like it?
Last Updated on November 30, 2025 by Sarah Ann
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