Scan barcode
crufts's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
It's 1922. As the Communist Revolution sweeps through Moscow, Count Alexander Rostov, once a man of leisure, is sentenced to remain in home arrest at the Metropol Hotel for life.
But is this the end for the Count? Of course not! Determined to master his circumstances, he engages himself in the business of the Metropol and its people, and a charming narrative follows.
The story is definitely character-focused without a strong overarching plot. As a result, the conclusion wraps up quickly and there's no large-scale conflict. However, I still found it to be a delightful read.
But is this the end for the Count? Of course not! Determined to master his circumstances, he engages himself in the business of the Metropol and its people, and a charming narrative follows.
The story is definitely character-focused without a strong overarching plot. As a result, the conclusion wraps up quickly and there's no large-scale conflict. However, I still found it to be a delightful read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
The novel is set against the backdrop of the Communist Party gradually gaining power in Russia, but (given the Count's limited viewpoint within the hotel) the focus is almost entirely on individual people rather than the larger political movements.thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
...where do i even start? i had an inkling this would be good, yet it ventured in unexpected directions and still exceeded my quite lofty expectatons. idk how to describe this book w/ suitable adjectives, all i know is my heart feels full from reading it. a gentleman in moscow was filled w/ tender moments and vignettes, wise rumination of the theme of time, scenes that were as uncommon as they were singularly charming and heartwarming, and it managed to be evocative w/o ever being melodramatic or resorting to emotional manipulation.
this book showed what stories are abt, what life is abt. i particularly enjoyed the writing--it was as subtly poetic and witty as its main character--and the touching depiction of friendship and found family. my only gripes would be the fact that the middle felt like a blur given its lack of any major or dramatic plot points, and i wish there were scenes during the war yrs; not for any trauma porn, but it wouldve gone quite a long way in showing how different (or not) life in the metropol was in that period, for as much as the count was physically limited under house arrest, he was nevertheless cocooned w/in the comforts of one of moscow's best hotels. regardless, this was a great--if even rare--read that i cant wait to reread while seeking for some comfort in the yrs to come.
this book showed what stories are abt, what life is abt. i particularly enjoyed the writing--it was as subtly poetic and witty as its main character--and the touching depiction of friendship and found family. my only gripes would be the fact that the middle felt like a blur given its lack of any major or dramatic plot points, and i wish there were scenes during the war yrs; not for any trauma porn, but it wouldve gone quite a long way in showing how different (or not) life in the metropol was in that period, for as much as the count was physically limited under house arrest, he was nevertheless cocooned w/in the comforts of one of moscow's best hotels. regardless, this was a great--if even rare--read that i cant wait to reread while seeking for some comfort in the yrs to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Police brutality, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Kidnapping
gm_vak's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
More...