A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel

This is the captivating story of Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat placed under house arrest in 1922, and condemned to live out his days in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow because of his alleged political writings. The reader follows the Count as he adjusts to sleeping in a tiny room and to life without stepping outside of the hotel. Charming, cultured, witty, and irresistibly likeable, the Count adapts to his new reality and develops a new social circle : some of the hotel staff become his friends and confidants, there are the occasional romantic interests, and the Count’s old friends still visit and keep him up to date with life outside of the hotel. The novel is very well written, rich with historical and literary references that make it interesting. The twists were unexpected and made the main protagonist even more likeable ! He was so resilient and resourceful in the face of adversity ! And the ending? Absolutely unforgettable ! A brillIant read from start to finish!

While I have given this 4 stars, there remains for me some problematic aspects: on one level, Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is a charming figure, whose efforts to have some reasonable life under 30 years of house (or hotel) arrest are laudable as well as highly entertaining and at times, moving. However I struggle with the notion of a “gentleman” who somehow knows precisely the correct thing to do in any circumstance and whose innate knowledge enables him, for example, to identify correctly any wine in an extensive cellar, without the assistance of a label. This smacks to me of the idea that people born into a particular social class (the “highest”) possess traits of refinement and good behaviour that those not fortunate enough, through accidents of birth, to have had such a start must somehow never fully achieve. Perhaps this wasn’t the intent of the author, but that, alongside the lack of reference to the harrowing circumstances that most Russians lived through in the period in which the book is set, were important shortcomings that affected my enjoyment of a tale otherwise very well told. My other reservation was the frequent references to classical literature, history and philosophy: it is perhaps a little unkind to say that these left me wondering whether the author had referenced Wikipedia but possibly not any more comprehensive sources before offering a potted précis or quotation. There is nothing wrong with Wikipedia and I use it frequently, but it does not set itself up to be an in-depth account of any major subject. Again, I found myself irritated by these displays of erudition that did not seem altogether genuine. Despite the above, I found this an excellently told tale with many intriguing characters, none more so that the Count himself, who, to be fair, did not parade his knowledge and behaviour in an arrogant manner. I enjoyed this so much that I immediately read Amor Towles’ follow up to this and it was even better.

Every now and again along comes an outstanding novel that hits every aspect of what a great book should be. A Gentleman in Moscow is epic in its ambition, enthralling in its storytelling, entertaining in its humour and eloquent in its prose. The story is set amongst the chaotic birth of communist Russia, yet celebrates the dominion of the individual. Amor Towles opens the novel on 21 June 1922, with the Count being tried in front of the Emergency Committee of the People’s Commissariat for Internal Affairs for being part of the leisure class, corrupt and a threat to the new communist ideology. “Prosecutor Vyshinsky: State your name. Rostov: Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, recipient of the Order of Saint Andrew, member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt. Vyshinsky: You may have your titles; they are of no use to anyone else. But for the record, are you not Alexander Rostov, born in St. Petersberg, 24 October 1889? Rostov: I am he. Vyshinsky: Before we begin, I must say, I do not think that I have ever seen a jacket festooned with so many buttons. Rostov: Thank you. Vyshinsky: It was not meant as a compliment. Rostov: In that case, I demand satisfaction on the field of honour. [Laughter] Secretary Ignatov: Silence in the gallery.” The Count is found guilty but is saved from execution because he wrote a poem supporting the pre-revolutionary movement. Sentenced to indefinite house arrest at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow, he will stay there until 1954. This opening scene illustrates many of the treats awaiting us in the novel – the Count at odds with the ruling party, his adherence to a gentleman’s behaviour, his courage, and the humour with which he dispatches commentary. Immediately on his house arrest, Rostov is moved from his luxurious suite in the Metropol to the attic, and a small room that requires him to make sacrifices of his belongings. Sacrifices in terms of possessions, liberty, social standing and relationships. The character of the Count is adored as he accepts all these challenges with resolve, integrity, humour and the dignity becoming of a gentleman. The talented Amor Towles weaved many aspects into the novel to add incredible depth, with references to Greek and Roman legends including Helen of Troy, and more modern associations with ‘The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe’ and ‘Winnie the Pooh’. The revolving front door of the hotel is an interface between the tumultuous changes and harsh living conditions occurring in Russia under the Stalin era, and the opulence of the hotel, as it resolutely maintains its luxury status. Rostov makes very close friends with some colleagues but notably Nina, who as a nine-year-old girl shows the Count how to reverse the closing walls of the hotel and see numerous adventures in hidden corridors and rooms. Another little girl, Sofia, is introduced into the story who steals the Count’s heart and the connection they have is special beyond description. There are also threats and spies, only too willing to denounce other colleagues, so care is paramount. The character developed for Count Alexander Rostov is surely one never to be forgotten and his adventures, over thirty-two years within the Metropol Hotel, flowed with a constant fascination that remained enthralling from beginning to end – and what an end. I was delighted to read this amazing work from Amor Towles, delighted to discover my great friend Ceecee hadn’t read it either and ecstatic that she wanted to read this with me. For a book that I have rounded down to 5-stars I can only say, it is highly recommended!!

Een prachtig verhaal; de Russische geschiedenis verteld aan de hand van de dagelijkse gebeurtenissen in hotel metropol in Moskou. Graaf Rostov ondervindt de veranderingen in het tijdperk 1912-1954

Elegance, Insight, and Imagination A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a beautifully written novel that was recommended by my friends and members of The Tough Guy Book Club. The story follows Count Alexander Rostov, sentenced to lifelong house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel, as he builds new relationships and finds meaning amid change. • Elegant Prose: Towles’ lyrical style and wise reflections on life make every page a pleasure. • Vivid Imagery: The Metropol Hotel’s world is richly drawn, full of history and character. • Thoughtful Ending: The conclusion is open and hopeful, inviting readers to imagine. This is a thoughtful, uplifting novel—perfect for those who appreciate beautiful language and deep insights into the human experience.

I highly recommend this book to those who love excellent writing, interesting plots and intrigue. I'm 60% through this novel and have enjoyed every chapter so far. I have been highlighting all the phrases that are brilliant, Oscar Wilde-like reflections and tropes that are worth re-reading.

I have never read Towles before this book. It is seldom that I am ever sorry when a book comes to a conclusion, but this was a pleasure to read and I am so sorry that it came to an end today. I tried to drag out reading the last pages because I didn't want it to end,. Towles characters were very well developed. His storyline was really well thought out and developed.. His writing is excellent. He didn't have to add obscene language or explicit sexual material to keep the reader's attention. He actually had a story that was worth reading, some fiction and some historical material, and it held my interest from beginning to end. It is difficult for me to find books that actually have content worth reading. It was a pleasure to read this book. I wish I could find another one like it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. A character study, a microscope on the human psyche, and of course the flaws ,deception, and facade of political systems! Excellent read!