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maryanneross's review against another edition
2.0
After re-reading this book, I changed my opinion slightly. The first time I read it, I struggled to get through it. This time, I took my time. I found it easier to follow and the characters came to life more. I still thought that the beginning of the book dragged a bit and that the large amount of characters made for some confusion. The second half of the book was more relatable and more touching. The young Sofia was a joy and I liked watching the impact that she had on the Count's life.
Worth reading if you have the patience.
Worth reading if you have the patience.
elisabeth7291's review against another edition
5.0
Recommended on the "What Should I Read Next?" podcast, I was first intrigued by the structure of the book that jumps in time in doubling increments (two years, four years, eight years, etc.) and then descends to its denouement in the opposite succession. Any author that clever must be worth a shot. And clever ended up being exactly the right word for this novel. From structure to characters to plot, THIS is a clever book.
Set just after the Russian revolution, a former state sympathizer is sentenced to house arrest in the posh Moscow Metropol hotel. Within these confines the Count meets three women who, in their own way, stretch his assumptions of what is possible within his confines. Mixed in are endearing staff from the hotel as well as a host of characters from the Count's past and/or his still very intact well regarded reputation.
Set just after the Russian revolution, a former state sympathizer is sentenced to house arrest in the posh Moscow Metropol hotel. Within these confines the Count meets three women who, in their own way, stretch his assumptions of what is possible within his confines. Mixed in are endearing staff from the hotel as well as a host of characters from the Count's past and/or his still very intact well regarded reputation.
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.
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.
zalford's review against another edition
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
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.
rad_kat's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Fun, lighthearted, some historical learning of the Russian revolution and beyond, and really insightful prose
basil_plant's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5