A Gentleman in Moscow

by Amor Towles
A Gentleman in Moscow cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Historical Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4021
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781473539242
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-09-08
  • Reviews: 3

On June 21, 1922, Count Alexander Rostov, a man of refinement and elegance, is escorted to the Hotel Metropol under house arrest by the Bolsheviks. Once a prominent figure in Russian society, he is now confined to a small attic room, a stark contrast to his former luxurious lifestyle. As the years pass, Rostov adapts to his new circumstances, finding unexpected joy and fulfillment in the simple things. Through his journey, the novel explores themes of resilience, hope, and the transformation of a man who learns to appreciate the beauty in a life stripped of opulence. The story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find richness in unexpected places, even amidst the turmoil of a changing world.

Reviews
Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2024-03-15
delightful 4.50

The book is a light and delightful read that exceeded expectations. It's charming and sophisticated without being overly complex.

The reviewer found this book to be a light and delightful read that exceeded their expectations. They highlight its charming and sophisticated narrative, which is satisfying without being opaque. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance sophistication with accessibility, making it a joy to read. They also mention that it's a sleeper hit, which they didn't expect to enjoy as much as they did.

Quick quotes

    A Gentleman in Moscow is my first sleeper hit of the year.

    Yes, I'd heard good things about it but I did not expect to find it quite so light ...

    A delightfully charming, accomplished book, with enough sophistication to its narrative to be satisfying without being opaque.

Shelf Reflection · 2023-01-16
engaging 4.50

The book is engaging and well-written, though it isn't fast-paced or complex. It's a delightful read that will keep you hooked.

The reviewer found this book to be very engaging and well-written, though they note it isn't a fast-paced thriller or a complex work of fiction. Instead, it's a delightful read that will keep you hooked with its charming narrative and engaging characters. The reviewer highly recommends it for those looking for a captivating story that isn't overly complicated but still very enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    I definitely recommend this book.

    It is not going to be a fast-paced thriller or a complex plotted work of fiction, but it is very engaging and ...

    It is very engaging and well-written.

Gates Notes · 2019-05-20
compelling 4.50

The book offers a new perspective on the era and keeps the focus on the Count, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer found the book to offer a new perspective on the historical era, even though it's fictional. They appreciate how the author keeps the focus on the Count, which makes the story compelling and engaging. The reviewer also mentions that the book is a feast for the mind, with its richly drawn characters and well-crafted narrative. They highly recommend it for those interested in historical fiction with a unique perspective.

Quick quotes

    A Gentleman in Moscow gave me a new perspective on the era, even though it's fictional.

    Towles keeps the focus on the Count, so most major ...

    It's a feast for the mind.

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