A Gentleman in Moscow
Original content | Author: Yatila A. Wijemanne
The New York Times Bestseller ‘A Gentlemen in Moscow’ written by Amor Towles is a wonderful, classic and a timely read. The Sunday Times wrote “A work of great charm, intelligence and insight”. The story shows the transformation of an era with the Bolshevik Revolution leading to the Second World War followed by the beginning of the Cold War.
Whilst the Global landscape was transforming so did the Russian way of life. The political landscape from Lenin to Stalin, battles of social classes and even more so one’s personal life. For instance, the manner in which persons were addressed pre and post revolution. In the eyes of the reader Count Rostov was bold, compromising and far-sighted when dealing with such transformations. This undoubtedly mesmerized the reader and was well crafted by the Author Towles.
The emotional element and attachment between characters are far thought through. The way in which each character supports one another whilst the World around has changed was unique. Each helping one another to overcome difficulties of socio-political change. In addition, attachments of love from differing perspectives were crafted to guide the reader to unthinkable parallels. The love and knowledge of music was far detailed and generated vivid imagination in the mind of the reader.
The marvel of the Metropol Hotel exterior and interior was described with precision. The selection of the hotel near the Red Square, the beauty of the interior and its restaurants were explained in such precise detail that one wondered whether the author was actually Count Rostov being imprisoned at the Metropol for over three decades. Close analysis pointed to the direction that Towles had stayed a number of times at the hotel when traveling as an investment banker. The manner in which he has studied the hotel shows the quality of absorbing the environment one is surrounded in.
Towles’ use of language is simple, eloquent and a pleasure to read. If this novel has not been read it would be a waste of great authorship and readership. In conclusion in the words of the Irish Times “Towles creates such a memorable character in Rostov and this book brings something for everyone- humour, history, friendship and philosophy”.
