Title: A Gentleman in Moscow

Author: Amor Towles

Release Date: September 6, 2016

Length: 462 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

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***My Review***

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a novel set in Moscow in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. The story centers around Count Alexander Rostov, a former aristocrat who has been sentenced to house arrest in the luxurious Metropol Hotel. Despite being confined to the hotel, the Count finds a way to live a rich and fulfilling life, all while navigating the changing political landscape of the time.

The novel is beautifully written, with a richly detailed setting that brings the Metropol to life. The hotel becomes a character in its own right, with its grand ballroom, elegant restaurants, and secret passageways. The descriptions of the hotel and its guests are vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of the story.

One of the strengths of A Gentleman in Moscow is its focus on character development. The Count is a charming and charismatic protagonist, with a sharp wit and a love of literature and fine dining.

As I read “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles, I couldn’t help but become enamored with the main character, Count Alexander Rostov. The idea of being confined to one hotel for thirty years of my life and never being able to step outside its doors seems unfathomable, yet Rostov not only survives but also manages to make a wonderful life for himself and find joy in each day. I admired him for his kindness, optimism, and practicality, and as the story progressed, I grew to appreciate his incredible intelligence and cunning as he plotted his escape.

It’s inspiring to see someone who has lost so much still hold his head high and live with grace and dignity.

One of my favorite relationships in the book was between the Count and Nina, a spunky 9-year-old who takes him on adventures throughout the hotel. Through their escapades, the Count gains a deeper appreciation for the hotel and the people who work there. It’s amazing how much richness and meaning he was able to find within the confines of those walls.
Overall, A Gentleman in Moscow is a testament to the idea that it’s not what happens to us in life, but how we respond to it that matters. Count Rostov is the epitome of a true gentleman – a class act, through and through.

The supporting characters are also well-drawn, from the hotel staff to the various guests that pass through the Metropol’s doors. The relationships between the characters are nuanced and complex, and the way they interact with one another is often the most compelling aspect of the book.

The plot of A Gentleman in Moscow is less of a traditional narrative and more of a character study. There are no big action scenes or suspenseful twists, but rather a series of vignettes that paint a portrait of the Count’s life in the hotel. Some readers may find the slow pace of the story to be a drawback, as the novel is not driven by a sense of urgency or high stakes. However, for those who enjoy character-driven stories, A Gentleman in Moscow is a rich and rewarding read.

I must say that the writing in this book is simply superb. As I read through it, I found myself truly relishing and savoring every word, much like the sumptuous meals that are served at the Boyarksky. And the wit of the author is simply brilliant – it’s so dry, yet it manages to elicit not just smiles, but several outright laughs from me.

I particularly loved the scene where all the wine labels were removed because the wine list was deemed to be counter to the ideals of the Revolution – it was just letter-perfect. And who else but the author could describe the act of getting sick to one’s stomach in such a clever and amusing way: “as the young Hussar returned his supper to the pasture from whence it came”? The writing in this book truly is a work of art.

One of the drawbacks of the novel is its length. At over 400 pages, it can feel overly long at times, with some scenes that seem extraneous to the overall plot. While the richly detailed setting is one of the novel’s strengths, it can also feel overwhelming at times, with an excess of detail that can bog down the pacing.

Another criticism of the novel is that it can feel overly idealistic at times. The Count’s ability to live a fulfilling life within the confines of the hotel can feel unrealistic, especially given the brutal political climate of the time. Some readers may find it difficult to suspend their disbelief and accept the premise of the story.

I think it’s amazing how often we make quick judgments about people without really getting to know them. I’ve certainly been guilty of doing that in the past. But I’ve also learned that it’s important to be open-minded and give people a chance to show who they truly are. It can be tough to let go of those initial impressions, especially when they’re negative, but it’s so rewarding when we do.
The main character in the book, the Count, is a great example of this. Even though he’s been confined to a single hotel for decades, he never stops trusting people and looking for the best in them. This is such a contrast to the new government in Moscow, which judges people quickly and harshly without any thought for their circumstances.

It’s clear that the Count’s upbringing and sense of nobility play a big role in how he approaches life, even in his limited circumstances. He’s a true gentleman, always treating people with respect and dignity, no matter who they are. It’s inspiring to see how he makes the best of his situation, finding joy and meaning in the small things and building relationships with the staff and guests at the hotel.

Overall, the book is a reminder to be kind, compassionate, and open-minded, even in difficult circumstances. We never know what kind of impact our words and actions might have on someone else, and we should always strive to make that impact a positive one.

In my opinion, A Gentleman in Moscow is a remarkable piece of literature that tells a compelling story of a man who finds himself in a unique situation. The character of Count Alexander Rostov is complex and multi-dimensional, and the way he adapts to his circumstances is both inspiring and entertaining. The setting of the Metropol hotel is richly detailed and serves as a character in its own right.

While the novel may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its slower pace and lack of traditional plot elements, I found the focus on character development to be its greatest strength. Author Amor Towles masterfully explores the themes of love, loss, loyalty, and the human condition through the Count’s experiences.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories and literary fiction. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished reading it.