Among the highest praise that I can give a book is when I don’t want the book to end. When I can see that I’m getting close to the end and feel an internal dread that I will be done with the book, I realize that this is book that I like. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Townes is one of those books. I felt a certain sadness realizing that the book was coming to a close.
This is the story of Count Alexander Rostov. The story relates so much about life, being a good person, a gentleman, a family member, friend and the history of Russia. The story begins in 1922 and continues through the 1950’s. Count Rostov is imprisoned in a Hotel within Moscow. Through this lens, we learn much about the Count, Russia, and many others who pass through the story.
The story is exceptionally well written. There is much joy, discovery and unraveling throughout the tale. The reader will truly feel as though the characters are real. There is plenty of opportunity to discover sage advice and reflect on decisions that one has made. As the Count says “if a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them”. The Count does indeed master his circumstances (with much aplomb), even if those circumstances are entirely unforeseen.
While the story touches on the history of Russia, these events are referenced but not the focus of the story. The story is really all about the Count and other characters. Instead of being over written, it is refreshing smart.
I can heartily recommend this book.
