I fancied reading something a bit different. Usually when I feel this way I trawl through Amazon putting in searches such as Political Thriller or Historical Crime.
I had been doing this when a list of suggestions included A Gentleman in Moscow. The cover was intriguing so I read the blurb that went with the book, again interesting.
Well I have to say that the book didn’t fall short of my expectations.
Alexander Rostov is a Count in post-revolutionary Russia. The book is set in 1922 and the Count has returned to Russia following years of self-imposed exile in Paris. Living in luxury in the grand Metro Hotel all seems to be going well until Rostov is taken before the court for penning a poem before his exile.
The sentence doesn’t seem too bad; he is confined to his hotel. Unfortunately, he is not to remain in his luxury suite but is sent to live in a room in the dusty attic formally used by servants.
Taking a few pieces of furniture and books with him Rostov tries to make the most of his circumstances, helped along the way by a few trusty staff from the hotel.
What follows is a series of adventures over several decades. The Count takes on the guise of different characters, takes work in the hotel and generally sets about entertaining the reader.
The Count is a lovely character that it is impossible not to like. He remains a gentleman whilst everything around him is going to pieces.
With Moscow deteriorating outside the hotel remains an oasis of opulence but it feels as though it will crack at any moment, and if it does what will happen to Rostov.
It might be the time of year but I felt like I was reading a book which should be turned into one of the feel-good-in-hard-times movies.
A good read.
nigeladamsbookworm 