Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian mother of three who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
I am not a big fan of heavy hardcover books because I don't find them comfortable to hold for extended periods. So, I read A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles a few years ago when the paperback was released.
I know, I know… Naomi, why aren't you reading your books digitally? Well, I love the tangibility of a book: the feeling of holding a book in my hands, physically turning the pages, and the smell of the paper, so there!
Set in 1922 post-revolutionary Moscow during a time of turmoil and political upheaval, Count Alexander Rostov is condemned to live under house arrest at the Grand Metropol Hotel instead of being executed like most of his contemporaries who were unfortunate enough not to escape while they could at the outset of the Bolshevik revolution.
He was permitted to live only because of a poem that he was credited with writing. The poem admonishes those of his class and the system of oppression of the masses that they helped to sustain. However, his regular suite at the hotel and most of his possessions were confiscated, and he was made to live in the attic rooms formerly saved for the servants to use.
The relationships Rostov forges within the hotel's confines are not just casual connections but profound, heartwarming bonds that will deeply resonate with you. There are nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout the narrative, but the one that lingers and serves as the core message is: "A man must master his circumstances or otherwise be mastered by them." In the face of loss, love, and existential dilemmas, Rostov embodies this mastery with intellect, compassion, and elegance.
Prepare to be captivated by Amor Towles' writing, which is a true masterpiece. His words weave a story of living, loving, and friendship in the face of adversity, drawing you in with every carefully crafted sentence.
And now, I'm thrilled to share that A Gentleman in Moscow has been adapted into a series with the talented Ewan McGregor in the lead role! While only two episodes have been unveiled so far, they are a testament to the artistry of the adaptation. McGregor's portrayal of Rostov is nothing short of brilliant. The supporting cast, the setting, and the cinematography are all top-notch, making this a series worth your time.
Happy reading and watching!
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