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 book will engage your imagination and stretch your vocabulary. I can’t even imagine how much research it took to get all the details of different periods of Russian history. Great Read!
One of those books you hate to see end – beautifully written, with warm and real characters illuminating a slice of history few Americans know about.
Very well written.
This was a beautifully written book and made for great discussion at my book club. Not only did I learn historical facts about the Soviet Union and what was going on in Moscow over the period of several decades. But Count Rostov offered many interesting observations about humanity as well. The characters were well developed and interesting.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. So well written. You’ll fall in love with the characters.
It was incredibly well-written, with a richly drawn cast of characters, beautifully described relationships, and an incredible plot line…….full of twists and turns. It seemed to become a bit overly descriptive at times, but then I began to realize…..that each description, each character, and each detail was very important to the storyline, and it all fit together so well at the end. It kept me on my toes, and I was fully involved in the characters…… especially the Count. His insight and wisdom, not to mention his wit, charm, and ability to befriend so many different personalities was beautifully described.
And historically, the book is a wonderful glimpse of Russia from the 1920’s thru the first half of the 1950’s, and opened my eyes to how the government changed through those years, and the toll it took on the Russian people.
I wish I could write as well as Amor Towles.
This among my top all time best books! My book club loved it and all ranked it 9 or 10 of a possible 10. It is literature.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. The main character is so lovable and he creates such a rich life in spite of his circumstances. Utterly charming and enchanting.
A most unusual and delightful story. Could not put it down .
Author Amor Towles is a wonderful story teller. This is his 2nd book. Also recommend his 1st book. RULES OF CIVILITY .
YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED
In either book!
Simply delicious, the writing is superb. His scenes are described to perfection and his characters are deftly drawn and memorable.
Right up there with Tolstoy
I expected that this book was going to be historical, and therefore, I wasn’t sure that I’d like it. That isn’t the case at all. I especially enjoyed it because I had actually stayed at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow a few years ago. I don’t think that matters – the story is very enjoyable even if you’re not picturing yourself in it.
Great writing and atmosphere. Loved the characters especially the females.
One of the best books I have ever read.
This book offers an intriguing glimpse into a world of exile. It’s one of the best written books I’ve read, one of my top 5. The author pulls readers into an environment and experiences we could not have imagined. Highly recommend it.
Unique plot beautifully written
Didn’t enjoy it at all.
Found it slow & boring.
This is an entertaining book which covers a 30 year period of Russian history. It is told through the life of a Russian aristocrat held in exile in a 5 star hotel in Moscow. The author has created a book that is a delight to read.
Best book I’ve read in the past ten years. Yes, that good!