A review by ahalsnad
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

4.0

For centuries champagne has been used to launch marriages and ships. Most assume this is because the drink is so intrinsically celebratory; but, in fact, it is used at the onset of these dangerous enterprises because it so capably boosts one’s resolve.

It is a simple yet capturing story with a bittersweet ending. The character of the Count, his witticism, and especially his adaptability to circumstances were impressive. The philosophical musings and discussions were interesting, and at times, funny. Almost all of his companions at Hotel Metropol were friendly and lovable, and his punishment was comparatively light; he sure was the luckiest person in Russia.

Having acknowledged that a man must master his circumstances or otherwise be mastered by them

The story provided a glimpse of early 20th Century Russia, its troubles, the passion of the people to adapt themselves or improve the nation depending on their standing. That said, I think the portrayal of the main storyline is from the rose-tinted glasses for the reader's benefit.

If one has been absent for decades from a place that one once held dear, the wise would generally counsel that one should never return there again.

Even though I would have wished for a romanticized ending, the open-ended afterword with its connotations provides a more realistic feel and makes justice to the character of the Count.