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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this book so much-great writing, great characters. I had to do a little review of Russian history to have some context for the story, but it was well worth it, and the ending was perfect!
Amor Towles’ “A Gentleman in Moscow” resembles a well crafted impressionist snapshot of a changing culture and people. I can’t speak for how accurate the representations maybe but dense scope and descriptive style certainly put us in what feels like many decades of Russia past. In those various times and places we are taken through an exploration of class differences and how spaces along with language define them.
That journey through time and place is Towles’ master stroke of writing. Because he goes beyond historical fiction and delves deeper into a philosophical treatise on the changing zeitgeist over time from the perspective of one man. A gentleman at that, whose constancy pushes back against the tide and is moved by the crashing waves of change at every turn. The clever and well placed time jumps show us as much about what changes with age as they do by omitting years of events.
The anchor that is our protagonist, Alexander, reminds us that all things change in a dynamic environment, your effort to remain what you are is what limits you. So watching how he does and does not adapt to his changing environment is a joy in itself. However, this book is no short read and is slow in some passages making it can be an effort to get through. The payoff in the second half of the book is worth it. No spoilers from me, but watch for the ruse.
That journey through time and place is Towles’ master stroke of writing. Because he goes beyond historical fiction and delves deeper into a philosophical treatise on the changing zeitgeist over time from the perspective of one man. A gentleman at that, whose constancy pushes back against the tide and is moved by the crashing waves of change at every turn. The clever and well placed time jumps show us as much about what changes with age as they do by omitting years of events.
The anchor that is our protagonist, Alexander, reminds us that all things change in a dynamic environment, your effort to remain what you are is what limits you. So watching how he does and does not adapt to his changing environment is a joy in itself. However, this book is no short read and is slow in some passages making it can be an effort to get through. The payoff in the second half of the book is worth it. No spoilers from me, but watch for the ruse.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book felt like a warm hug and a weighted blanket at the same time. Gorgeously written and impeccably narrated, you just get lost in the life and story of the Count as well as all the supporting cast. The book respects its reader; it's full of subtle connections and little details peppered all over. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to just lose themselves in something beautiful for a little while.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As a historical novel this was excellent, tracing the political and social changes in Russia from post-revolution 1922 through through the aftermath of Stalin’s death. This is all embedded in the story and not presented as dry recitations (for the most part).
As a story out is also very well done. There is humor and sentiment, love and friendship, villains and intrigue. Most of the characters there Count lives and works with are enjoyable, although the Count is the only one really developed.
There were slow parts and the 460 pages took a long time to get through. I beginning was especially slow and one might be tempted to quit. I found it well worth reading though, with a suspenseful ending. The end was slightly disappointing to me but only slightly.
As a story out is also very well done. There is humor and sentiment, love and friendship, villains and intrigue. Most of the characters there Count lives and works with are enjoyable, although the Count is the only one really developed.
There were slow parts and the 460 pages took a long time to get through. I beginning was especially slow and one might be tempted to quit. I found it well worth reading though, with a suspenseful ending. The end was slightly disappointing to me but only slightly.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated