A Gentleman In Moscow

Author - Amor Towles

Seldom does a historical fiction book not feel like one while reading. A Gentleman in Moscow is a historical fiction book set up in the background of the 1920s Russian Bolshevik revolution. Though a historical fiction one can easily categorise it as a thriller or a love story. Books have a little bit of everything. On the flip side, one may find the pace of a book a bit slow, the first 100- 120 pages can be labour for the ones used to fast pace writing. However, the pace of the book grows on you slowly and gradually. The book is about Count Alexander Rosssov, who is sentenced to house arrest in Hotel Metropol during the 1922 revolution. By dint of his elegant writing author has laid out the plot beautifully and has sketched out the main character of Count Alexander Rossov delightfully. In my view Hotel Metropol serves as an equal important character, if I may call it that, by providing a perfect backdrop for the story. Author describes each and every detail about holes magnificently so much so that reader is able to create a visual in her mind. Author has masterfully integrated the social economic conditions of 1922 Russia to build the plot and the incidents in the book. Though book has revolution backdrop it does not carries any negativity instead it is about emotional evolution of protagonist and his human side. Count Rosssov never compromises with his ethos nor does deviates from the behaviour of a perfect gentleman. He epitomises how a gentleman behaves and conducts himself. The book through its narrative provides a few useful life lessons. It shows how important is to have a purpose. It is meaningful to have humility, grace, and kindness along with mindfulness to live life to the fullest. For me, the most important lesson is that one must make most of the one's circumstances. Count Rossov says, “A man must master his circumstances or otherwise be mastered by them” and he exemplifies this with his conduct and mastering all adverse circumstances. Overall book is a memorable experience to read and makes a good conversation starter.