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lookmairead's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect. No Notes.
An absolute comfort read. But 3 Men & A Baby vibes will do that to me.
An absolute comfort read. But 3 Men & A Baby vibes will do that to me.
kylafrank14's review against another edition
5.0
My new favourite book. Why did I wait so long. All the stars.
amandabeales's review against another edition
5.0
Very endearing story!! What depth to the characters the author is able to portray as well as a glimpse into the times as well as the past and the future as time goes by. Heartfelt.
buggyreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alivingjuliet's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is beautifully written and sprinkled with humor. The characters are great and I loved the thoughtful look into Russian culture. The only real complaint I have is how slow and drawn out some parts are, but this book is more about the journey so it makes sense. This is essentially a very drawn out slice of life story, and if you’re in the mood for it, it is a wonderfully charming adventure.
hanland's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Admittedly, this love came slowly as it took me a while to finish. I love Towles’ romanticism of everyday things. It helps me see the world in a more beautiful way. The honey and the bouillabaisse scenes are my favorite.
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.