From the New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Civility and the forthcoming novel The Lincoln Highway, a story about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel—a beautifully transporting novel. The mega-bestseller with more than 2 million readers, soon to be a major television series In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a … Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.
Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.
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This is one of the best books I have ever read. Great characters, especially the main one, Count Alexander Rostov. The writing is elegant, amusing, wonderful. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Loved it. It highlighted the term “Gentleman” in the story and what a gentleman does in all circumstances. That is not to say that is the main focus, it isn’t. But the author uses that clever tool to enrich the twists and turns of a delightful story.
Probably my favorite book of all time.
Beautifully crafted, engaging, and all set in an historical context that contributes to an unparalleled plot.
I read this book at the urging of a friend. Not only did I read it, I enjoyed it. No, I loved it! I devoured it and wanted more when it was over. I felt like I was in the hotel during the time of the story. I empathized with the “Man” and characters in this book and as I said, I wanted more. Much more.
Very enjoyable read. Great character development. Reads a bit similar to Russian satire of the 20’s and 30s, which really lends itself to telling the story. Just enough factual background to not only set the context, but to lend credence to the characters.
Excellent! Beautifully written!
Loved it, read it twice. Our book club favorite.
A terrific insight into Russian life at the beginning of the Communist era. Elegant prose, interesting subject and extremely original
What a fantastic read!
A Russian Count is sent into exile, and spends about 30 years in The Metropol Hotel in Moscow.
This well written and researched story tells of the friends he made, and how he coped with this incredible situation.
I loved it, and will definitely be reading more by Amor Towles, a fantastic story teller.
Beautifully written with engaging characters, this intriguing story captures your imagination and teases your literary senses!!
This is my favorite book I’ve read in quite a while. Absolutely excellent in every way. I can’t recommend it enough.
I have been amazed at the rave reviews for this book. To be honest, it was just average to me. It was hard for me to stay focused on the story. There were some moments, however, that were entertaining.
One of the best books I’ve ever read!
Loved it!!!
highly recommend
One of my favorites. I want to be friends with so many of these characters.
As an avid reader for many years, this book ranks in my top 10. It is a creative and entertaining and wonderful story about a truly remarkable individual. The author has a unique way of bringing characters to life in a way that makes you feel as though you’re getting to know them. Highly recommend.
Excellent.
I would have never imagined the biography of a man confined inside a hotel in Moscow could be fascinating but, it was. Actually it was more than fascinating. The story begins in 1922 when Count Alexander Rostov is placed under house arrest in a small attic room in a grand hotel in downtown Moscow. One might think he would be reduced to a depressing existence. However, the Metropol is not a gulag and Rostov is resilient. His optimism is contagious and it infects the entire hotel staff. When his life is transformed by little Nina the story takes off. Towles’ prose is superb and one comes away feeling a better person having finished the story (although you will probably be depressed it’s over). This is a work of literary greatness.