A Gentleman in Moscow

by Amor Towles

But Fate would not have the reputation it has if it simply did what it seemed it would do.

Because when Fate hands something down to posterity, it does so behind its back.”

The designs of men are notoriously subservient to happenstance, hesitation, and haste;

Such that the events of an average day are as likely to transform who we are as a pinch of pepper is to transform a stew.