A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towes

 Moscow.  That single title word has some readers trembling in fear and running in search of the comfort cozy mysteries. Nothing wrong with cozies, but this book is worth a second glance, and a third and.... Certainly, the complex history of Russia in turmoil will consume paragraphs, pages, and even whole chapters  filled with unpronounceable names and accounts of heavy, heavy oppression.  Relax.  This book isn't War and Peace.  In fact, the character of Russia itself acts as an incidental background to skilled writing, diverse characters, and a plot that is both insightful and light hearted.  Stay focused on the Gentleman part of the title and you will wander easily through this book hoping that it might never end.

Count Alexander Rostov has committed a crime he should be executed for; instead he is sentenced to life long confinement in the attic of the Metropol, a once exquisite Moscow hotel. Influenced by the writings of 16th century French philosopher, Montaigne, the Count chooses a practical path.  He will make the best of his circumstances.  He will make a life there, and he does.  Luckily, he is a man of manners and rituals, both of which serve his well as he creates a life that could easily be the emotional undoing of most.  

Towes stylish prose compliment the count's calm, patient demeanor, yet he has fun with language and punctuation.  The narrator, or someone, occasionally interjects something snarky, or offers a bit of advice to the reader.  Example - one footnote tells us not to worry about the odd names and multitude of characters. Most won't be with us for more than a few pages.  There's a juggler, a one-eyed cat, a cantankerous chef, and a precocious child along with a plethora of Oxford commas, and an ellipsis or two.

The elegance of the writing can easily lead readers to view this as a  stuffy book, best studied,  analyzed and digested in university classrooms.  Not so. Yes, the historical passages create tension, allowing the Count to show his steady, knowledgeable self - they are informative and we'll all get smarter reading those sections!

For years I have been asking "Where are the Steinbecks and the Hemingways that I enjoy so much?" I think I have the answer.

Only five Mondays until spring.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.

Thanks for stopping by.

(Mary S. I know you're reading this.  History's your thing - hope this book is working for you.)