MONICA READS, A Review By Monica West
A Gentleman in Moscow By AMOR TOWLES
A Gentleman in Moscow is an excellent and worthwhile read. It is a love story of Russia, Russian people, and loyalty to Mother Russia. The author Amor Towles shares the beginnings of the end of changes in leadership from the Czars to the time of the first nuclear power plant in Russia.
What is unique is the way Towles lets the reader in on what the secret of Russia is. The end result is a wonderful adventure as seen through the eyes of Count Alexander Rostov.
He is a delightful handful of elegance and charm. The Count is aware and knows how to handle all kinds of situations and people. His family is gone so he makes another one for himself in his captivity at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow.
Every author finds a way to share the main theme of his main character’s heart and thoughts. In one passage he is queried by his daughter Sofia asking: “Do you ever regret coming back to Russia after the Revolution?” He answers with: “Looking back, it seems to me that there are people who play an essential role at every turn. And I don’t just mean the Napoleons who influence the course of history; I mean men and women who routinely appear at critical junctures.” He goes on to say that he was born to be available in the Hotel when her mother, Nina, brought Sofia to him and asked him to take care of her child.
I believe that each of us plays a purposeful role. We all have a purpose and it might or might not be known to each of us but we are all in a role that is essential. The Count never gives up his own life and makes it essential to others. His love of Mother Russia goes beyond whatever regime happens to be in power. Mother Russia gave him a life and he handled it well.
Please go to the library and get this book. Amazing, fun, interesting, and delightful.
Monica West reviews books for InDepthNH.org. Monica is known for her love of history and her lifelong love for reading. She has a bachelor’s degree in History, with a minor in English. “My years of reading for leisure and pleasure have given me the insight to read a book and analyze the author’s baggage, cargo and ability to write the language of his/her mind and utilize the gift of prose to educate and entertain the reader. Go get a book, read it and enjoy the adventure.”