Book Review: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
One of the great things about having family members that also like to read is that we have something resembling our own built in book club. Therefore, I oftentimes get book recommendations right from my mom, grandmother and aunt. Among these recommendations A Gentleman in Moscow kept coming up, and finally I had to pick it up and read it for myself. Luckily, it did not disappoint! I read this one towards the end of finals (yes, I am a bit behind on my book reviews!) and it provided me with the much needed, simple pleasure of a great book. If you’d like to experience this pleasure for yourself, cozy up with a cup of strong coffee and get reading!
What it’s about:
Starting in tumultuous time period of the 1920s in Russia and ending in the 1950s, A Gentleman in Moscow follows the daily happenings of Count Alexander Rostov. The count has been imprisoned for writing a counter revolutionary poem. However, instead of being killed or sent to jail, the Count is sent to live in the Metropol Hotel for the remainder of his days. Though such a simple plot may move slowly in other contexts, I never found myself bored. The happenings within the Metropol, though they are small adventures, easily capture the attention of the audience for pages and pages. Thus, the novel enforces an appreciation for the smaller joys in life. If a man imprisoned in the same place for all his life can make the best of his situation, so can the reader. In addition to this, all the while, a more important drama is playing out subtly and behind the scenes.
Who should read it:
If you are one to appreciate great writing and more detailed description, this book is for you. One of the biggest reasons why I enjoyed it so much was the way in which Towles paints the story. There is a great charm to this novel. It is not action packed, so don’t dive into this one if you’re looking for a quick plot. However, this was a very quick read for me and certainly a feel-good book for anyone who enjoys those.
5/5
On multiple occasions, I found I was smiling or even chuckling to myself when reading this book. I was easily lost in the world that Towles created. Not only are the characters vivid and charming, the story holds a great deal of class and elegance. It is one of those books that reminds the reader of the finer things in life, and I found that it went perfectly with a cappuccino and a window to look out of. The emotions, writing and people that populated this novel swept me away and I must shower A Gentleman in Moscow with much praise for its excellent storytelling!