Reviews

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, Amor Towles

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smsloyer's review against another edition

5.0

This story, of a Former Person confined to a hotel in the heart of Moscow during the Soviet era, has a particular fondness in my heart after reading it. It has the ability to speak to a man in all stages of his life as we follow the Count progress in his, a man of a bygone era growing old in a godless society. It can spark interest in the tiniest of details of life, inspiring us by the gentlemanly attention the Count paid to every person he conversed with, drank with, and waited on.

If I had any complaint, it would be the relative brevity. If only more was written on Count Rostov's decades in the Metropol! This is simply a delightful read.

cassoberreuter's review against another edition

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4.0

more of a 4.5/5

zalford's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

ahalsnad's review against another edition

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4.0

For centuries champagne has been used to launch marriages and ships. Most assume this is because the drink is so intrinsically celebratory; but, in fact, it is used at the onset of these dangerous enterprises because it so capably boosts one’s resolve.

It is a simple yet capturing story with a bittersweet ending. The character of the Count, his witticism, and especially his adaptability to circumstances were impressive. The philosophical musings and discussions were interesting, and at times, funny. Almost all of his companions at Hotel Metropol were friendly and lovable, and his punishment was comparatively light; he sure was the luckiest person in Russia.

Having acknowledged that a man must master his circumstances or otherwise be mastered by them

The story provided a glimpse of early 20th Century Russia, its troubles, the passion of the people to adapt themselves or improve the nation depending on their standing. That said, I think the portrayal of the main storyline is from the rose-tinted glasses for the reader's benefit.

If one has been absent for decades from a place that one once held dear, the wise would generally counsel that one should never return there again.

Even though I would have wished for a romanticized ending, the open-ended afterword with its connotations provides a more realistic feel and makes justice to the character of the Count.