A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel

Beautifully written, but also decidedly Western in perspective, despite the setting and focus of a former aristocrat under house arrest in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow. The strongest moments of the story for me were the passage of time and change in and around the hotel, as the main character exists as a man out of time, until forced to face change. The ending wasn't particularly satisfactory to me, simultaneously too neat and tidy while also being unsatisfactory.

Another book club book and I swear in trying to speed read this I must have missed huge chunks and don’t fully understand what happened at the end! But I loved the descriptions and the main character and would probably happily re-read it on an island. One critique from another in book club which I agree somewhat with is that the main character didn’t feel very Russian; his optimism in particular felt very American. But maybe that’s the point- the internationalists perspective? Or maybe we have too grim a view of Russia? Nonetheless a great read and would recommend.

An aristorcat—a count—is sentenced after the Russian revolution to house arrest at the Metropole Hotel in Moscow where he remains for the next 30 years. A thin premise for a book? Not on your life. The author unfolds a rich and nuanced story of this extraordinary man’s life, plots, and liaisons, with the tumultuous years of mid-20th century Russia as a backdrop. The pages are generously spiced with commentaries, asides, and diversions on culture, literature, art, music, science, philosophy, food, drink, and politics. And at the end, the reader is rewarded with a thrilling conclusion worthy of a great spy novel. Brilliantly written with charm, wit, humour, and insight.

Easily my favourite book of the year. A delight.

Reminded me of Armando Iannucci's 'Death of Stalin'. The resilience of the human spirit during isolation and incarceration. Humour and routine essential and surrounding oneself with qualitative beauty; a hideaway and characters.

I would not have thought I’d have liked a story set around the Russian revolution, but I was wrong. The development of the characters is excellent and you really begin to care for them. They exist within a compelling world of the early 20th century designed by the author. I particularly liked the ending, which was not a small achievement in this book. Highly recommended!

Really enjoyed the - Was a challenge at time but the gentle twists and turns of the story arrive in waves throughout the book. An expansive work saving a lifetime all told within the setting of a single building.

There were times I nearly gave up on this. I didn't and overall I am glad I persevered. I do feel it could have had soem editing gown in parts though.

Genuinely gentle, expansive, reverent, mindful, and adorable.