From the Bookshelf of Around the Year in 52 Books …
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
It's the Bolshevik Revolution, and Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow, Russia. He remains within the walls of the hotel for decades, both barred and buffered from the tumultuous history of Soviet Russia. Five-year plans, Stalin, World War II, Khrushev, and the postwar nuclear race all get passing mention, but the focus remains on the small events that make up the Count's days: the reading of a thick book, his weekly shave, the selection of the pro
...more
An interesting story, well done. A Russian aristocrat is placed under house arrest in a Moscow hotel in 1922. This follows his life through the 50s. Through the people he gets to know among the staff and guests, as well as an old college friend who keeps in touch, Towles gives us glances at Soviet history as well watching a man come to terms with his life and do good.
I have decided this year to give out 5 stars very sparingly but this is one book I would have give more. I loved this book from the very start. I love the beautiful prose and the wonderful way he described things and I love the characters-every one. Alexaner, Nina, Sophia, Martina, Emile, Addrey, Anna and all of the others.
Definitely read this one. It is great.
Definitely read this one. It is great.
Poignant and well written, if a little slow.
A fantastic look at the transformation from Czarist Russia to the USSR from one very unique point of view. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys history, fiction, historical fiction, or really just good writing in general.
4 1/2 stars! Such a cleverly crafted novel. A master of language with a slow buildup that lays down subtle details that pay off masterfully in the conclusion. Looking forward to reading his previous novel now.
Epic storytelling! Of course, now all I want to know is Russian history. Amor Towles takes us on a historic journey with the Count and the people he meets as he lives in the Metropol hotel. One of my favourite summer reads.
I really enjoyed this book and the life the count makes for himself despite his trials he has to overcome. I would have given this five stars but for me, there were some slower parts.
Jan 26, 2018
Brandi
marked it as to-read
Jun 08, 2018
Kellie
marked it as to-read
Sep 09, 2018
Shannon
marked it as to-read
Mar 19, 2019
Marin
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
recommended-by-mom,
eurasia-ru
May 22, 2020
Graceann
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ebooks-tbr,
audio-tbr
