A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel

<b><i>”The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and ability to affect those around him positively.”</i></b> —Bob Marley This breathtaking journey begins with the trial of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov in June 1922, a time in Russian history after the revolution and the fall of the Tsars, and with a new regime on the rise. Condemned by the Bolsheviks for writing a poem, he is put on trial and it is this piece of writing that staves off his execution. Instead, his Excellency is put under house arrest, sequestered to the Hotel Metropol for life. He knows that a bullet will find him should he ever step foot outside the hotel’s spinning entrance door. The timeless elegance of the Metropol has become his enforced residence, but having previously been ensconced in sumptuous suite 317 of said establishment for four years, the petty trial judges decide to deal him a cruel hand and move him into a poky room less befitting a man of his bearing (a servant’s quarters on the top floor). Yet they have no idea with whom they are dealing because our irresistible champion can find happiness in the unlikeliest of places. The Count has a boyish charm that would draw anyone closer, keen to learn more. I fancied him by page two and by page five it was full on love! What Towles creates inside the opulent confines of the Metropol is pure genius! A story so rich with people and adventure I forgot it was all taking place in one building. Because the characters are exquisitely fleshed out, it’s difficult to think of them as fictional, from the curious little girl dressed in yellow to the chef and head waiter of the Boyarsky, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. As the story progresses, it becomes clear they are all, in one way or another, trapped by the Metropol as well as saved by it. However, I dare say that most people, with the entire world at their disposal, couldn’t fashion a more fulfilling life than our cultured Count does in his exclusive confinement. Inevitably, reading slows to a crawl when such a remarkable book nears its end, as I wanted to linger in its glow. I truly didn’t want to check out of the Hotel Metropol, leaving Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov and his friends behind, but as I’ve learned from our hero to look upon life with a bright eye as something better might just be around the corner. If you haven’t read this engaging tale, I strongly urge you to sprint to your computer and buy it now! The writing is delicious, sliding through my mind like warm honey, leaving me coated in sweet sunshine. <i>A Gentleman in Moscow</i> is an epic must-read!

I began reading this book cautiously. As one page turned to the next, and the next, and the next, caution morphed into entertainment, entertainment into fun, fun into pleasure. All this, while anticipating what surprise might occur on the next page --- page by page --- until the story ended and I discovered myself in bed enjoying the delight I was feeling. Now, I wonder how many days will pass before I read it again --- probably not many. “A Gentleman in Moscow” is story about Count Rostov, a fictional character, who faces imposed changes, during and after the Russian Revolution. Don't be deceived, it’s not a self-help manual. The Count’s resume sets the stage well: “Count Alexander Rostov, recipient of the Order of Saint Andrew, member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt, and godson of a counselor to the Tsar....” What an unexpected introduction of a Russian protagonist who experiences The Revolution plus several following decades. I found myself asking: "Is there a difference between, an aristocrat, a gentleman, a man; between surviving and living? Does he survive? If so, how and for how long? If so, is it because he’s an aristocrat, because he’s a gentleman, or because of the way he adapts to change?" I found myself asking an additional question: "Is 'A Gentleman in Moscow’s' value to me discovering that the more I respected and loved the Count, the more I seem to better understand aspects of myself...or at least some of his behaviors that I wished were more of me." If these questions don't attract you, it’s still a good story ... no, a great story ... no, even more so a wonderful story. Amor Towles delivers an upbeat love story about how the protagonist works to adjust his life and self-image, after his world is turned upside down and continues to be so for over thirty years. You may even find Towles may have borrowed snippets --- intended or not --- of Homer’s "Odyssey," Hugo’s "Les Misérables" or Dvorak’s opera "Ritalka" in the protagonist’s actions and story line. Count Rostov confronts a wide variety of disruptions to his life. The narrator describes solutions and transformations Rostov creates and changes, that he makes and doesn't make --- while retaining his essence --- while executing actions. Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov’s 32-year journey with he and his collaborators captivated me, through the whole book.. When I read this story again, I'll spend additional time focusing on the charming collection of unexpected sub-stories flowing within the main story. I expect to spend additional time enjoying attempts to decide whether the tales are mythical, a fairy tale, a fantasy, an epic journey, or something else similar, yet different, like the movies: “Sunset Boulevard: A Hollywood Story” (1950); “A Princess Bride (1987), “Groundhog Day” (1993), or even a little of “Casablanca” (1942)*. Characters, in this story, are designed to be important but not necessarily totally believable ... after all, the character’s lack of complete reality is part of the story’s motif and magic. Complete accuracy might destroy the story’s enjoyment. After all, the story’s a fictional novel ... a delightful one. It’s not a non-fiction, historical, academic tome. It’s especially not a doctoral dissertation about Russian history, during the first half of the twentieth century. Russia’s changing culture during this time-period functions primarily as background for Towles’ story --- a background that’s part of the story’s metaphor, symbolism, and descriptive scenery. Count Rostov tells his story about his government's-imposed isolation upon him, and his adjustments to the resulting changes. Light-hearted, metaphorical mysticism hovers around each key-characters’ behavior in delightful ways --- like a mist. It seemed that each turned page delivers a surprise or a pleasant smile. I plan to re-read this story when I return home after working hard, desiring to read something for enjoyment, desiring something that will let me leave behind the day’s intensities, desiring something that will rest me, that will help find comfort with where and who I am --- as I adjust to the life-imposed changes on me ... perhaps even a little more like our fictional Count's responses. “A Gentleman in Moscow” is a story well written; I enjoyed it as such. P.S. "One of the best books I've ever read" is what 100% of the twelve attending members of my "men's book club agreed, in our meeting earlier this week. Attendees also agreed that this event is the only time in over ten years of meetings that members have unanimously agreed that they enjoyed a book, Usually, at least one or more members express opposing viewpoints about whether the book was worth reading. *"The Karate Kid" (1984), "Forest Gump" (1994), "It's a Wonderful Life" (1947), or even "Pretty Woman. (1990).

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Fabulous prose, great character development and atmosphere. I looked up the Metropol hotel and it still stands- maybe some day I will get there.

Een prachtig verhaal; de Russische geschiedenis verteld aan de hand van de dagelijkse gebeurtenissen in hotel metropol in Moskou. Graaf Rostov ondervindt de veranderingen in het tijdperk 1912-1954

Elegance, Insight, and Imagination A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a beautifully written novel that was recommended by my friends and members of The Tough Guy Book Club. The story follows Count Alexander Rostov, sentenced to lifelong house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel, as he builds new relationships and finds meaning amid change. • Elegant Prose: Towles’ lyrical style and wise reflections on life make every page a pleasure. • Vivid Imagery: The Metropol Hotel’s world is richly drawn, full of history and character. • Thoughtful Ending: The conclusion is open and hopeful, inviting readers to imagine. This is a thoughtful, uplifting novel—perfect for those who appreciate beautiful language and deep insights into the human experience.

This is the captivating story of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat placed under house arrest in 1922, and condemned to live out his days in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow because of his alleged political writings. The reader follows the Count as he adjusts to sleeping in a tiny room and to life without stepping outside of the hotel. Charming, cultured, witty, and irresistibly likeable, the Count adapts to his new reality and develops a new social circle : some of the hotel staff become his friends and confidants, there are the occasional romantic interests, and the Count’s old friends still visit and keep him up to date with life outside of the hotel. The novel is very well written, rich with historical and literary references that make it interesting. The twists were unexpected and made the main protagonist even more likeable ! He was so resilient and resourceful in the face of adversity ! And the ending? Absolutely unforgettable ! A brillIant read from start to finish!

I highly recommend this book to those who love excellent writing, interesting plots and intrigue. I'm 60% through this novel and have enjoyed every chapter so far. I have been highlighting all the phrases that are brilliant, Oscar Wilde-like reflections and tropes that are worth re-reading.