A Gentleman In Moscow - Book Review

My first book by Amor Towles and certainly not the last. I am falling short of words after reading this incredibly well written book which will be treasured in my thoughts for a while.

‘A Gentleman In Moscow’ is about Count Alexander Rostov who is sentenced to house arrest in 1922 at Metropol hotel in Moscow, Russia. The Count’s character depicts the epitome of civility and knowledge. During the time, Russia was undergoing major political changes, Count’s character is woven to reflect the changes to an observer who is affected yet indifferent to all the changes. He is true to his words when he says that a man must master his circumstances or otherwise be mastered by them. This book’s beauty lies in the characterization more than the plot.

I have read quite a lot books about Holocaust but this was my first about Russian history. Such an interesting read yet the historical events never seem to overpower the main character’s focus. An exceptional character who is just “perfect” and has a great deal of knowledge in poetry, wines, cuisines, accents, and just about everything.

It is one of the rare books which I’d like to re-read in the coming future. A deep dense language in the beginning was a little repulsive but once I got over that repulsion, I was teary-eyed at the last page because I couldn’t resist the urge to know more about the life of Count who not only lived a life in house arrest as a prisoner but also as a Head waiter, a teacher, a father, a learner, a lover and a friend.

If you love reading a thought provoking book with an elusive characterization, you should definitely read A Gentleman In Moscow.