by Tina

If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance that you are also reading books. At a time like this, you really, really need something excellent to read. I’m here to help.

The book I’m suggesting is my favorite book of the millennium – so far. From the moment I read the first review of A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, I was sure I would love it. I had thoroughly enjoyed his first book, Rules for Civility, and this new book was set in a hotel! As it happens, I grew up in a hotel, and I’m pretty sure that my heaven will have some resemblance to a well-run hotel. I was excited.

A Gentleman in Moscow is set in the grand Metropole Hotel. And the protagonist is Count Rostov – handsome, courtly, and a true gentleman (more on that later). The book opens at a time shortly after the Russian Revolution, not really a friendly time for the nobility in Russia. Rostov is saved from a terrible fate, however, by a revolutionary poem he once published. His “sentence” for being a member of the ruling classes is that he will be confined in his current home - the Metropole - for life.

Well, that doesn’t sound too bad! However, Rostov is shortly moved from his luxurious suite to a poky room below stairs. I want you to take note here that we are talking about someone who is confined - just as many of us find ourselves at this point. He does have the freedom of the public spaces and maintains many friendships in and outside the hotel.

The reader lives through the next several decades of Rostov’s life. He adopts a child; he loses dear friends; he becomes the film-viewing companion of a Soviet boss. He even becomes one of the best waiters in the hotel dining room. Most importantly, he is always a real gentleman.

What does this mean, being a real gentleman? Rostov embodies integrity, loyalty to friends, love of country, kindness, and generosity of spirit. He never bemoans his reduced circumstances but is instead filled with joie de vivre and a sense of fun. And remember, he is confined. I’m thinking that we have something to learn from him.

Not a spoiler: as much as I enjoyed this book, I had a mild sense of dread throughout. Many horrible things were happening in Russia then, and I was concerned that something might happen to Rostov. Let me reassure you. Tragic things happen, but this is not a tragic book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook read by the wonderful Nicholas Guy Smith. You can find it in cloudLibrary, as well as the e-book.

Happy reading from the Book Goddess! And remember, reading is divine!