A Gentleman in Moscow
Amor Towles
★★★★★ 5/5
I stumbled upon this gem of a book in a summer reading list tweet from Bill Gates. In one word: elegant.
Set in the Moscow of 1920, the book narrates the story of a Russian aristocrat, Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who in his late twenties, is sentenced to house arrest for life at the Hotel Metropol by a Bolshevik tribunal—his life spared on account of revolutionary poem credited to him. “I have been known to fence with the quill” was the Count’s acknowledgment in court.
The book then is the story of the Count’s life over the next three decades; his attempts at leading a life of purpose with dignity despite his significantly diminished circumstances. One might think it hard to find sympathy for an aristocrat (“It is not the business of gentlemen to have occupations” — he declares proudly in court), but that is exactly what you find yourself doing reading the book. Even if not to an aristocrat, we can all relate to the cruel hand dealt by fate that changes life trajectories overnight. And isn’t adversity the true revealer of human character?
Fate would not have the reputation it has if it simply did what it seemed it would do
The Count is not one to dwell on the past or what might have been, certainly not one to wallow in self pity. He lives by his late father’s maxim: If one does not master one’s circumstances, one is bound to be mastered by them. He does not let the physical restrictions of his circumstances limit the richness of human experiences he encounters even if it is within the confines of a single hotel. From meaningful friendships to gainful employment, from parental responsibility (and its inseparable angst), to romance and eventually the solace of home, Alexander Rostov experiences them all with endearing dignity, charm and wit.
"Who would've imagined when you were sentenced to life in the Metropol all those years ago, that you had just become the luckiest man alive"
The members of the Confederacy of the humbled, having suddenly fallen from grace share a certain perspective. Knowing beauty, influence, fame, and privilege to be borrowed rather than bestowed, they are not easily impressed. They are not quick to envy or take offense. They remain committed to living among their peers, but they greet adulation with caution, ambition with sympathy, and condescension with an inward smile.
Mr. Towles’ prose, often in the voice of the Count, is brimming with wit, compassion, perspicacious social commentary and philosophy. The quiet elegance and dignity of the writing, especially in the habits and manners of the aristocrat, is reminiscent of Wodehouse. And the climax, (SPOILER ALERT) has a tinge of The Shawshank Redemption.
Overall, a hugely satisfying and highly recommended read.
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