(WPF) Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. 4.5 stars

[NancyJ]

It took me many years to finally read this book, and I'm glad I finally did. The story was so much richer than I expected it to be. I know, I know - with all the fans it has in THIS group, it HAD to be more than a fluffy feel good best seller! I enjoyed everything about it. I also really liked his book Rules of Civility. I didn't immediately connect to Lincoln Highway, but I'll try again when I don't have to rush. Not too soon though. It would be unfair to expect another character to speak as beautifully as Count Alexander Rostov.

I had a goal last year to read at least one book relating to each of three different revolutions (French, Russian, Chinese), and this is my third, a little late. I definitely want to read more. But first, this book puts me in the mood to see the classic Greta Garbo film Ninotchka. Garbo's best (only?) comedy.

The revolutions triplet was a nice goal for me. I recommend it. The Chinese Cultural Revolution remains the most fascinating to me. I welcome recommendations for more revolution stories that focus more on culture change than on battles.

[John]

I'm one of this fan's book. There are some books that you read that are newly published that you read and know will one day be a classic. This is one!

[Sue]

I loved A Gentleman in Moscow.

And I'm really intrigued by your goal to read about cultural revolutions. I agree those can be really, really interesting.

I've read a couple about the Chinese cultural revolution that ended up being two of my favorite books.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien

And this non-fiction work: Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

I read Wild Swans before joining Goodreads so I don't have a review here, but its an amazing three generation saga following a family before during and after the Chinese cultural revolution.

Both are a little on the long side, but really good.

[Amy]

I am a total fan of this book! That was a nice review.

[Jgrace]

I did think of Ninotchka when I read this one, but the movie I had to watch was Casablanca. It wasn't just that the movie was important at the end of the book. Towles is so intelligent with his symbolism. The whole book is about beautiful friendships.

[Jemima]

This is a favourite book.

[NancyJ]

Jgrace wrote: "I did think of Ninotchka when I read this one, but the movie I had to watch was Casablanca. It wasn't just that the movie was important at the end of the book. Towles is so intelligent with his sym..."

Yes, I loved his Casablanca references.