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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
Well written and clever dialogue but just not that interesting
Count Alexander Rostov is the epitome of the perfect gentleman. He’s smart, witty, polite, courteous and can carry a conversation with just about anyone. Unfortunately not everyone agrees on this conviction and in 1922 the Bolsheviks have judged him as being a shameless aristocrat. His punishment is a life sentence of house arrest in none other than his current residence, The Metropol Hotel.
There he is now moved from his once glorious suite to a tiny room in the attic and life appears to be pretty bleak to an outsider looking in. But not for Count Rostov who surprisingly takes life in strides and vows to ensure that his days are anything but dreary. Along the way he meets new friends, finds love, a career and also experiences the joys of fatherhood. All the while the world continues to turn outside, Russia undergoes many changes and some even manage to penetrate the very walls of the Metropol hotel.
To say this book was good is a complete understatement. From the well written story, to the entertaining conversations, the perfectly descriptive backdrop and the downright funny antics. I have to say that this book was completely and utterly wonderful! If you enjoy history, drama, friendships, love, and laughing out loud in public places than this book is definitely for you! Read it!
There he is now moved from his once glorious suite to a tiny room in the attic and life appears to be pretty bleak to an outsider looking in. But not for Count Rostov who surprisingly takes life in strides and vows to ensure that his days are anything but dreary. Along the way he meets new friends, finds love, a career and also experiences the joys of fatherhood. All the while the world continues to turn outside, Russia undergoes many changes and some even manage to penetrate the very walls of the Metropol hotel.
To say this book was good is a complete understatement. From the well written story, to the entertaining conversations, the perfectly descriptive backdrop and the downright funny antics. I have to say that this book was completely and utterly wonderful! If you enjoy history, drama, friendships, love, and laughing out loud in public places than this book is definitely for you! Read it!
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book had me from the first page to the last - I laughed and cried and fell in love - I became part of the beloved family of Count Rostov and the Metropol. I cannot wait to read something else from Amor Towles. And watch Ewan McGregor bring the Count to life!! And surprisingly, read more about Russia!
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
I listened to this book, enjoyed parts and laughed aloud at the occasional turn mmm of phrase. But about 75% through I simply quit. Guess I need a thread of plot.
Having borrowed a copy from the library and not gotten it finished before it was due back I was missing the characters and couldn't wait weeks and weeks to have it again so I ordered my own copy to keep and will definitely be reading it again sometime in the future - it was delicious!!
The story of a Russian aristocrat put under house arrest in the early years of the Soviet Union. He was held in a fancy hotel in Moscow for over 30 years. Almost all of the story takes place within the hotel. At first The book was kind of slow and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish the book. But I kept with it and really glad I did. As the story evolves and the relationships evolve, it got more interesting. Eventually, The plot starts to pick up and you start to get that "what's going to happen" feeling that keeps you up reading much later than you know you should.
Beautiful, intriguing, fulfilling. I want to be like Alexander Rostov when I grow up.