Dos Equis may advertise the most interesting man in the world, but in the early 20^th century that title belonged to Alexander Rostov.  Even more impressive, Count Rostov accomplished this feat while being confined to a hotel in Moscow, Russia.

Born into high society (a member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt), Rostov was seen as an enemy of the state after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1922.  Despite succumbing to “corruption of his class”, the Count was spared the death penalty because he was also the author of a famous poem viewed as a pre-revolutionary call to arms.  Instead, Rostov is charged with a lifetime house arrest at his current lodging, the Metropol Hotel.

Stripped of his master suite and banished to the attic broom closet, Rostov shows incredible resolve in making the best of the situation, albeit with some hiccups along the way.  His biggest ally is the Metropol itself, namely its proximity to the political epicenter of Moscow – blocks from Red Square and the Kremlin – and its revolving door of guests passing through the luxury hotel.  Amor Towles introduces the reader to dozens of characters throughout the book, but he is able to do so without ever diluting the storyline as each one is vital to the overall narrative.

Count Rostov brings the same style and sophistication no matter the encounter, whether it be with his long-time friend and activist, Mishka, or his youngest friend Nina, a 9 year old girl who shows him the real ins-and-outs of the hotel.  The Count may be from the upper class, but our protagonist is incredibly relatable.

As someone who admittedly lacks historical perspective, I loved how Communism and its effect on society and culture were layered in throughout the novel.  This ranges from serious accounts of the first USSR famine to parodies using Communist ideology.

The novel weaves a beautiful story of friendship, love and hardship while sprinkling in some shocking twists.  Alexander Rostov is definitely on my “Top 5 Fictional Characters To Share a Drink With”.  Even the most mundane of conversations are entertaining and thought-provoking (one of my favorite passages is about bees and honey.  BEES AND HONEY!!). I have recommended this book to almost a dozen people with great success.  A Gentleman in Moscow isn’t just a read; it is a must read!!

 Jen’s Take:

I completely agree with Pasquale (who gets brownie points for recommending the book to me).

While some may find this book claustrophobic (and I know some who have), I enjoyed peeling back the many layers of the novel.  The unexpected and delightful adventures kept me excited and curious as I flew through the pages, some nights unable to put it down.

The Metropol was its own character, transforming throughout the novel from a prison, to a castle, to a secret hideout, and even to a safe haven.  There was constantly a new story or a new part of the hotel to be explored, all eventually tying together in a meaningful (and at times shocking) conclusion.

The Count was entertaining and resourceful, truly putting meaning to the idea of making the best of a bad situation.  This was far and away one of my favorite novels of 2017, and I highly recommend picking it up as soon as you can!

Verdict: Read it! Now!
Length: 468 pages
Quote: “Who would have imagined,” he said, “when you were sentenced to life in the Metropol all those years ago, that you had just become the luckiest man in all of Russia.”
When: In your favorite chair with your favorite drink (preferably wine or whiskey).
Also Try: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

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