A Gentleman in Moscow

By Amor Towles

Book Overview

The mega-bestseller with more than 2 million readers - A New York Times "Readers' Choice: Best Books of the 21st Century" Pick

From the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lincoln Highway and Table for Two, a beautifully transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel's doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count's endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670026190
• ISBN13: 9780670026197
• Release Date: September 2016
• Publisher: Viking
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A Very Cozy Historical Novel

When I read this (or listened because it was an audiobook), I could only think of how much it reminded me of a Studio Ghibli film. There is a major conflict happening, yes, it was a tumultuous time in Russia's history, but that's all happening in the background. I love how the entire story takes place inside a hotel and follows one character and his growing relationships with the other hotel workers and guests. Even with the exciting ending (which I won't spoil!) that throws a curve ball at the reader, left me rooting for Count Alexander Rostov even more! Highly recommend if you enjoy novels that focus more on how people of the world come together rather than the wars that happen that tear us apart. Five stars!

Excellent book

This was an excellent book, from the story line to the vocabulary used. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book.

Quaint and Tedious

If you have the patience to groove on Jane Austen or Emily Bronte, this may be your cup of teas, but not for me. Exquisite character description that goes on and on (and on) with no discernable plot development. Gave up after 75 pages.

Enjoyable from beginning to end

From this novel I was able to live vicariously through the Count, and Russian history. The historical parts were fascinating, engaging and gripping. It was like living in a historical drama, and with a happy ending.

A Modern Classic - Loved every minute of it!

I have followed Russian History and Culture for many years, and I never miss a book in this category. Towles has delivered a wonderful rendering of life in modern Russia. The primary character is finely drawn and is totally believable. He is trapped in a gilded prison and knows he will be arrested if he ever leaves the hotel. I didn't want the story to end, much like the Tolstoy classics I read as a student. The story will appeal to anyone who is interested in Russian history.

Truly A World Changing Novel!

This was one of those rare novels that held me spellbound from the very first page to the last! This author did such a marvelous job of writing that it seemed like a true story! His characters were so well developed they true seemed to be really! I cannot speak in more loving terms of this novel! And for those who have yet to read this seminal masterpiece, do yourselves a favor and Crack it open and enjoy!

Love, love, loved it!

Thoroughly enjoyed the story, the writing, and gorgeous visuals it left me with. My favorite of all Towles novels.

Gentleman in Moscow

I truly wanted to like this book - but it was too painful to work my way through it. I got up to page 120 and felt like I tried hard enough. Nope didn’t like his style. Boring

This book was a great read!! It did have over 500 pages but it was worth reading every page. A treme

A fascinating read!!!!!

Well written but safe and pretentious

To begin I will give Towles credit when credit is due, he is an excellent and eloquent writer. However the story itself despite so much promise, remained in the safe zone the entirety of the novel. Every single time the protagonist was faced with a potentially challenging or dangerous situation, the disaster was immediately averted. The safe area that the novel treads water in, soon made the story predictable and boring.

Wonderful novel from cover to cover!

Couldn’t put it down….

Fantastic Book!

Loved this book, start to finish!

I Didn't Want the Book to End

It's rare that I'm captivated throughout an entire book, but such was the case with A Gentleman in Moscow. I miss the Count already! Amor Towles has his own unique formula in the telling a of a story, and I can't wait to read the rest of his books. His choice and delivery of words will cause you to feel very close to the main character. If you're looking for a book to savor, this is it!

A beautifully written, fascinating book

One of those books whose storylines follow after you for months. A beautifully written book. I don't want to spoil the details, because its such a simple story in many ways, but fascinatingly told. Will read it again to soak it all in a second time.

The finest book about nothing ive ever read

I've read this 4 times now and plan on reading it a few more. its a very comforting book being sophisticated, elegant and simple all at the same time. I have yet to see it's equal looking forward to Towles "Rules of Civility"