Scan barcode
A review by literaryjunarin
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“If patience wasn’t so easily tested, then it would hardly be a virtue. . . ”
In the year 1922, Count Rostov was sentenced to house arrest at the grand Hotel Metropol in Moscow, Russia. If he did but one step outside the hotel, he will be shot dead. In a span of more than 30 years, this book laid out his life as he ventures through emotional discovery, forges a friendship with the hotel crews, and muses about life and purpose.
I did not expect to like this book at all. I prefer books that are action-packed with thick plots but this book hardly has a plot! But while reading, and I read this very slowly as well, I found myself enjoying Count Rostov's musings. His wit, his view about life, intellect, class. He is very charming. I would love to have dinner with him and have him explain different kinds of wine.
Towle's sentences are so, so full of life. Every scene is beautifully created. The experience is very immersive. I have nothing but praise. This book talks about family, friendship, parenthood, politics, and love. I cried a bit toward the end. Now, Count Rostov feels like an old friend of mine.
In the year 1922, Count Rostov was sentenced to house arrest at the grand Hotel Metropol in Moscow, Russia. If he did but one step outside the hotel, he will be shot dead. In a span of more than 30 years, this book laid out his life as he ventures through emotional discovery, forges a friendship with the hotel crews, and muses about life and purpose.
I did not expect to like this book at all. I prefer books that are action-packed with thick plots but this book hardly has a plot! But while reading, and I read this very slowly as well, I found myself enjoying Count Rostov's musings. His wit, his view about life, intellect, class. He is very charming. I would love to have dinner with him and have him explain different kinds of wine.
Towle's sentences are so, so full of life. Every scene is beautifully created. The experience is very immersive. I have nothing but praise. This book talks about family, friendship, parenthood, politics, and love. I cried a bit toward the end. Now, Count Rostov feels like an old friend of mine.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide attempt