A review by bandysbooks
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective tense 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? Yes

5.0

The Czar of Russia has been removed and the Bolsheviks have taken over. Former royalty and high society are being taken prisoner and shipped off to prison camps. Count Alexander Rostov, who has some friends in high places, managed to avoid this face and is instead imprisoned in a luxury hotel in Moscow. What follows is a humorous, uplifting story about the hotel over the years. 

This book is truly a joy, mostly because of the immediately likable Count. His character is so charismatic, knowledgeable, but humble, and kind. Everything that happens is made better because we see it through his lens. 

The hotel itself also becomes something of a character in the story. We see all the people coming in and out of it, how it withstands history, etc. 

I can’t say that this is the most plot-driven story. Things do happen and there is somewhat of a resolution at the end, but it’s of secondary importance. The gem and driving force of this book is the characters.

All in all, I think most readers will enjoy this book! It discusses a unique piece of Russian history