A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel

I have never read Towles before this book. It is seldom that I am ever sorry when a book comes to a conclusion, but this was a pleasure to read and I am so sorry that it came to an end today. I tried to drag out reading the last pages because I didn't want it to end,. Towles characters were very well developed. His storyline was really well thought out and developed.. His writing is excellent. He didn't have to add obscene language or explicit sexual material to keep the reader's attention. He actually had a story that was worth reading, some fiction and some historical material, and it held my interest from beginning to end. It is difficult for me to find books that actually have content worth reading. It was a pleasure to read this book. I wish I could find another one like it.

I began reading this book cautiously. As one page turned to the next, and the next, and the next, caution morphed into entertainment, entertainment into fun, fun into pleasure. All this, while anticipating what surprise might occur on the next page --- page by page --- until the story ended and I discovered myself in bed enjoying the delight I was feeling. Now, I wonder how many days will pass before I read it again --- probably not many. “A Gentleman in Moscow” is story about Count Rostov, a fictional character, who faces imposed changes, during and after the Russian Revolution. Don't be deceived, it’s not a self-help manual. The Count’s resume sets the stage well: “Count Alexander Rostov, recipient of the Order of Saint Andrew, member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt, and godson of a counselor to the Tsar....” What an unexpected introduction of a Russian protagonist who experiences The Revolution plus several following decades. I found myself asking: "Is there a difference between, an aristocrat, a gentleman, a man; between surviving and living? Does he survive? If so, how and for how long? If so, is it because he’s an aristocrat, because he’s a gentleman, or because of the way he adapts to change?" I found myself asking an additional question: "Is 'A Gentleman in Moscow’s' value to me discovering that the more I respected and loved the Count, the more I seem to better understand aspects of myself...or at least some of his behaviors that I wished were more of me." If these questions don't attract you, it’s still a good story ... no, a great story ... no, even more so a wonderful story. Amor Towles delivers an upbeat love story about how the protagonist works to adjust his life and self-image, after his world is turned upside down and continues to be so for over thirty years. You may even find Towles may have borrowed snippets --- intended or not --- of Homer’s "Odyssey," Hugo’s "Les Misérables" or Dvorak’s opera "Ritalka" in the protagonist’s actions and story line. Count Rostov confronts a wide variety of disruptions to his life. The narrator describes solutions and transformations Rostov creates and changes, that he makes and doesn't make --- while retaining his essence --- while executing actions. Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov’s 32-year journey with he and his collaborators captivated me, through the whole book.. When I read this story again, I'll spend additional time focusing on the charming collection of unexpected sub-stories flowing within the main story. I expect to spend additional time enjoying attempts to decide whether the tales are mythical, a fairy tale, a fantasy, an epic journey, or something else similar, yet different, like the movies: “Sunset Boulevard: A Hollywood Story” (1950); “A Princess Bride (1987), “Groundhog Day” (1993), or even a little of “Casablanca” (1942)*. Characters, in this story, are designed to be important but not necessarily totally believable ... after all, the character’s lack of complete reality is part of the story’s motif and magic. Complete accuracy might destroy the story’s enjoyment. After all, the story’s a fictional novel ... a delightful one. It’s not a non-fiction, historical, academic tome. It’s especially not a doctoral dissertation about Russian history, during the first half of the twentieth century. Russia’s changing culture during this time-period functions primarily as background for Towles’ story --- a background that’s part of the story’s metaphor, symbolism, and descriptive scenery. Count Rostov tells his story about his government's-imposed isolation upon him, and his adjustments to the resulting changes. Light-hearted, metaphorical mysticism hovers around each key-characters’ behavior in delightful ways --- like a mist. It seemed that each turned page delivers a surprise or a pleasant smile. I plan to re-read this story when I return home after working hard, desiring to read something for enjoyment, desiring something that will let me leave behind the day’s intensities, desiring something that will rest me, that will help find comfort with where and who I am --- as I adjust to the life-imposed changes on me ... perhaps even a little more like our fictional Count's responses. “A Gentleman in Moscow” is a story well written; I enjoyed it as such. P.S. "One of the best books I've ever read" is what 100% of the twelve attending members of my "men's book club agreed, in our meeting earlier this week. Attendees also agreed that this event is the only time in over ten years of meetings that members have unanimously agreed that they enjoyed a book, Usually, at least one or more members express opposing viewpoints about whether the book was worth reading. *"The Karate Kid" (1984), "Forest Gump" (1994), "It's a Wonderful Life" (1947), or even "Pretty Woman. (1990).

A beautifully written novel based in Russia in the aftermath of the revolution. During this time, a small number of the members of Russian nobility who had done nothing illegal or particularly offensive and/or may have been seen as slightly sympathetic toward the Bolshevik cause were placed under house arrest and forced to stay confined to their homes indefinitely. With this phenomenon in mind, Amor Towles created Count Alexander Rostov, a 'Former Person' who was placed under house arrest in 1922, ordered to spend the rest of his life in his current residence, the Metropole Hotel. He was told if he ever set foot outside the hotel, he would be shot. Although he wasn't thrilled about losing his freedom, the Count felt fairly lucky to be able to stay in his luxury suite in one of the city's finest hotels. When he was escorted back to the hotel, he found his posh suite was no longer to be his home; the government arranged a barely furnished small attic storage room in the hotel to be his new accommodations. And that was just the beginning of the changes he was to experience. This truly lovely novel follows the Count through over 30 year of personal challenges and growth as he observes the changes in Russia as almost an outsider. WHAT I LOVED: A fascinating look at life inside a high end hotel during a time when Russian was supposed to be classless, yet it was just as divided as ever. The pecking order became very clear at events attended by the leaders of the communist party. While much of the working class went without the luxury of 3 solid meals a day, the well positioned government officials were enjoying top notch meals along with an impressive wine list. I loved watching the Count grow from being a fairly self involved young man to a wise man who understood difficult circumstances. *Note: he was never a bad person, he was just used to people arranging their schedules around his whims and waiting on him but the person who he became, once the privilege became less of a factor, was a much more thoughtful and considerate person. The Count was funny, witty and never missed a beat. It was entertaining to see the world, particularly the world of that time and place, through his eyes. This was a truly beautifully written story. It could even be considered a 'piece of literature. ' Loved having a different perspective into the events following the revolution, how the ideals of communism were overruled by human nature. The writing style was almost 'campy' in places. Lines like; "so was our friend, the Count, right to be concerned..." It felt like watching a movie from the early 1960's with a narrator walking you through a montage. WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE: Although it was very well-written, it was not exactly my style of book. A huge portion of it was the Court's thoughts, observations and musings. There wasn't a lot of action. I am sure it was the authors intent to show the slow passage of time, but for me personally, not super entertaining. OVERALL: Great book, just expect a lot of reflection versus action.

Just finished “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles, a captivating novel that blends character development with the sweeping backdrop of Russian history. It is a story of confinement that somehow feels freeing I was drawn in from the very beginning by Count Alexander Rostov’s charm, wit, and resilience. I became completely immersed in his world within the walls of the Metropol Hotel. What I appreciated most was how Towles allowed Rostov's story to unfold gradually. Towles skillfully weaves in Russian culture and historical moments without ever feeling heavy-handed. The novel becomes a quiet yet powerful meditation on time, identity, and purpose. The relationships formed within the hotel — from the precocious Nina to the loyal Emile and Andrey — were full of heart and nuance, each one adding depth to Rostov’s journey. A timeless work worth checking out!

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Fabulous prose, great character development and atmosphere. I looked up the Metropol hotel and it still stands- maybe some day I will get there.

Een prachtig verhaal; de Russische geschiedenis verteld aan de hand van de dagelijkse gebeurtenissen in hotel metropol in Moskou. Graaf Rostov ondervindt de veranderingen in het tijdperk 1912-1954

Elegance, Insight, and Imagination A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a beautifully written novel that was recommended by my friends and members of The Tough Guy Book Club. The story follows Count Alexander Rostov, sentenced to lifelong house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel, as he builds new relationships and finds meaning amid change. • Elegant Prose: Towles’ lyrical style and wise reflections on life make every page a pleasure. • Vivid Imagery: The Metropol Hotel’s world is richly drawn, full of history and character. • Thoughtful Ending: The conclusion is open and hopeful, inviting readers to imagine. This is a thoughtful, uplifting novel—perfect for those who appreciate beautiful language and deep insights into the human experience.

This is the captivating story of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat placed under house arrest in 1922, and condemned to live out his days in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow because of his alleged political writings. The reader follows the Count as he adjusts to sleeping in a tiny room and to life without stepping outside of the hotel. Charming, cultured, witty, and irresistibly likeable, the Count adapts to his new reality and develops a new social circle : some of the hotel staff become his friends and confidants, there are the occasional romantic interests, and the Count’s old friends still visit and keep him up to date with life outside of the hotel. The novel is very well written, rich with historical and literary references that make it interesting. The twists were unexpected and made the main protagonist even more likeable ! He was so resilient and resourceful in the face of adversity ! And the ending? Absolutely unforgettable ! A brillIant read from start to finish!

I highly recommend this book to those who love excellent writing, interesting plots and intrigue. I'm 60% through this novel and have enjoyed every chapter so far. I have been highlighting all the phrases that are brilliant, Oscar Wilde-like reflections and tropes that are worth re-reading.