A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Award winning novel 2017 512 pages; Published by Windmill Books- 02/11/2017 Dimensions 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.8 cm

Soon to be a major TV series, starring Kenneth Branagh.

Hooray I finally got round to reading this charming book that has been recommended to me often.

Award winning of the following;

The Times book of the year 2017

Sunday Times book of the year 2017

Mail on Sunday book of the year 2017

Daily Express book of year 2017,

Irish times booker 2017,

one of Barack Obama‘s best books 2017

My one word this book would be exquisite.

as in the title of a book It is very much about a gentleman in Moscow named Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov. I am really excited this is soon to be brought to TV. I hope it will be a success and does well. I am often left disappointed with tv or film adaptations. Recently One Day I thought was brilliant so do look out for my review on that.

Of course, I’m rather late in reading and reviewing this masterpiece however given that it is not set today or when it was written I think that is ok and not so restrictive on when you read and review.

The front cover has what one would presume is the main character has intrigued me for many years. The cover is in monochrome apart from the title in its elegant gold, authors name is clear in black and white, both title and author in capitals, making it quite straightforward and easily recognisable. I find the cover interesting, and I feel it’s giving you a backstage pass behind the scenes to the story. I would even go as far as to say looking at the cover makes me feel I am in the room standing behind the Count. I was excited for this book as had so much about it being a great read, but I did keep my ears closed when he spoilers and I never read the back of the covers. Mainly seeing its picture pop up in feeds and the five-star reviews and of course all its awards. I couldn’t wait to dive in! unfortunately when I opened the book I admit initially my heart did sink, as I actually felt very daunted by the size of the print and thickness of a book. First thoughts were whoa this is not a light read. I thought this is too much for me it’s going to take some energy. I remember now that reason I shelved it for so long ideally for this type of book excuse the pun, I needed to book time out for it, I do find this with more densely worded historical novels. However, as always, I have a lot on, but I thought I would do this book in smaller chunks and also as it had made its way to my immediate to be read pile. Only after reading that I learnt it is soon to be coming it TV and I’m glad I got to read it first.  I found as predicted this book does need your time and times to digest, I also found it’s one of those books that gives you a lot but also left me eager to know more and it had me googling and researching throughout as I was generally interested and embarrassing I admit I know very little of Moscow, I was obsessed with the story of Dr Zhivago as a youngster, so I have some basic knowledge of Russia from there and also some basic knowledge regarding Russia during both World War I and World War II. I’m interested and knowledgeable on history on both wars. I’ve done lots of research and studied many great films and books.

I found the plot quite easy to follow. This is not a fast action pack story I found it did keep a pleasant steady pace. I really enjoyed all Towles quirky little details, I got a real sense as a reader that I got to know the Count and I felt the Count was a guy I would love to meet for real. Once I had finished the book, I felt happy I’d read it and enjoyed it yet little sad that it was like saying bye to an old friend.  I won’t lie I was on this book for about a week which is long for me. I can be known to start and finish a 300-page book in a day/night give or take depending on what commitments I have. I do always try to reach 100 pages a day. I hope you can get the opportunity to read this and give it the time it deserves. Thank you, Amor Towles.

I have heard Amor Towles has a book of short stories due out soon, but I’ll definitely be going on my list.

Followers and subscribers please do let me know how you found this, especially if you read various genres of books, various lengths, and vary between intense books such as this to rather faster lighter reads such as psychological thrillers or contemporary. Thank you so