Book Review: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is declared a Former Person by the Soviet government in 1920s Moscow. Normally this would mean summary execution for an aristocrat but Rostov wrote a revolutionary poem in 1906 that is well respected by the communists. Rostov would not even have been caught if he hadn't returned to Russia from Paris when the Czar was killed in 1917. As things turn out, he is sentenced to house arrest at the Metropol, a fine hotel in the heart of Moscow. The book chronicles his life trapped inside those four walls. He is slowly stripped of his comforts as the years go by. He slowly finds new comforts--new friends and activities and even parts of the hotel that he has left undiscovered until now.

This fictional biography has the feel of an autobiography. The reader sees inside of Rostov's head quite often, and the style of writing is very erudite and literary. His search for a good life while having very few means to access that life is interesting. He retains his sense of wonder and builds close and deep relationships with others. His conflicts with the small-minded people he encounters create tension and show his cleverness and his fortitude. He truly is a gentleman and a fascinating character.

Recommended.

This book is discussed on A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast #260.