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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Wonderful main character and great relationships with the supporting characters.
Loved the characters and their development! The writing is exquisite–passages like the effect of smelling freshly-ground coffee beans–I insisted on reading that one aloud to my book club! In addition, this book filled in some gaps in my grasp of Russian history.
it took me awhile to really get interested in it but when things started to get moving I ended up loving the book–I disliked Rules of Civility so I was skeptical but it was a book group selection so I persevered
Really enjoyed this book. Towles has a gift of description and setting the scene. Also he includes actual history in the narrative. I loved his Rules of Civility and this one too.
Wonderful.
I loved this story!! Very original.
Beautiful language, characters with a sense of honor, loved every minute of it.
I thought it was very educational as I knew almost nothing about the Russian revolution
Beautifully written and believable story about one collision of the old world and the new. Worth reading a second time for all of the nuances.
A Russian aristocrat who is now declared a “non-person” by the new Soviet Communist regime becomes a prisoner in the famed Metropol Hotel in Moscow. The life experiences, personal character and wisdom he imparts upon his readers made this novel a runaway hit with readers. I always felt joy when I had the chance to read it and despite almost 500 pages, was disappointed when it ended. A man that was used to the best life had to offer is now relegated to a small room and the freedom and luxuries he once enjoyed severely curtailed. The gentleman handles his reduced circumstances with grace, wit and courage.
Slow start but ultimately hard to put down. Wonderful story of the human spirit and the joy of a man’s life under constrained circumstances.
This was a delightful read – one of those rare books that I didn’t want to see end. The characters are wonderful, and many of them ultimately feel like old friends. The historical and cultural details about Russia were intriguing; however, the author’s tendency to make sharp right turns without transitions became more confusing as the story continued. If you like a definitive ending, this is not the book for you as Towles leaves readers to ponder where the story might continue.
I loved the book A Gentleman in Moscow. Set in pre and post revolutionary Russia primarily in a beautiful old hotel in Moscow, the main character is an aristocratic young man who is arrested for allegedly writing poetry that besmirched the new revolutionary government. Rather than put him to death he is confined for the rest of his life to the beautiful hotel in which he had previously lived in luxurious accommodations. He takes a few of his furnishings and decorates a small two room attic with a single window— his new life time home. As the months and years go by we see a clever, resourceful, elegant, kind and generous man emerge. We see a man of refinement and privilege become a man of incredible integrity, compassion, and love. Truly a must read.
So well written. A joy to read. A very different plot.
Rich in literary references and interesting in its historical setting. Wonderful classic character in Count Rostov. Delightful story with surprising ending. I really enjoyed it.
A wonderful story well-written. I didn’t want it to end!
This is one of those books that you hate to finish. The characters are so original and endearing that finishing is like having to say goodbye to a dear friend.
A most unique premise. Very witty in parts. Historical in other areas. Wonderfully drawn characters walk throughout the story.
One of the best books I have read in years. Such a great story with plot twists and turns. Add a wonderful surprise ending.
Beautifully crafted writing. Wonderful surprises around every corner. A powerful reminder of the strength of human character, values, pride. A side of humanity I see slipping away in America. Yet,a book you leave feeling good and wanting more.