A review by relf
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring 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? No

5.0

What a delight, from beginning to end! Count Alexander Rostov, suddenly a "non person" under Soviet rule, is sentenced to house arrest at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. A story about a man's decades of political confinement may not sound charming or delightful, but it absolutely is. Rostov's philosophical good cheer seems unshakeable, and he finds a devoted circle of friends--family, really--among the staff and guests of the hotel, as well as a life of meaning. The book is charming, funny, suspenseful, and offers a view of the changes in the U.S.S.R. over more than 30 years, from what seems to be a very small window. As a fancier of great hotels, I loved the setting and the Eloise-like character of Rostov's young friend, Nina. A wonderful book.
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