Kelly's Reviews > A Gentleman in Moscow

This novel of sophistication, which values observation over action, must be read with absolute dedication and an unhurried unspooling of time. If I had read this during a busy period, in fits and starts and bits and pieces, I doubt I would have finished it, let alone come to appreciate its merits. It's a novel of pleasure and must be read in a mood of pleasure.

While it does possess merits - many of them, not the least of which is beautiful writing and sophisticated turns of phrase - it was not an easy read for me. Throughout the novel, I found myself mystified as to how the book had earned so many 5-star reviews from so many reviewers. Even as I reached the end and examined other reviews, the mystery was never quite solved for me.

With his first book, Rules of Civility, looming large on my list of all-time favorites, lighting it up with the raucous and riotous spirit of New York in the 1930s, A Gentleman in Moscow was like stepping back into a simpler time. The reading experience was... mild, in comparison. Like slowly sipping a glass of aged and oaky wine after downing a bottle of champagne. And I have to say as a reader, and as far as reading experiences go... bring on the champagne. Because my favorite books are those in which I am frantic to find out what happens to my favorite characters, yet I take the time to reread my favorite scenes and exchanges of dialogue because I so want to savor the reading of this favorite tome for the first time, and extend it so that I can enjoy it for as long as possible before I arrive at the inevitable end and part from these characters (at least for the time being, until a chance at a reread, or the next book in the series). Because my favorite books have me shouting at the twists and cursing the characters' misguided mistakes and shoving copies of the book into the hands of everyone I know (and even sometimes strangers) saying, "Trust me - just read this".

And A Gentleman in Moscow did not give me the phenomenal and undeniable sensations that all of my favorite books do: Read this, read this, read this.

I get and appreciate that it's the work of a master. Without a doubt, Amor Towles is a master. But I loved Rules of Civility so much that this second work simply pales in comparison. I have to admit that for much of the book I was bored. That if I hadn't had days off and time to read, I probably wouldn't have finished this one. And that while the writing was divine, and the book was obviously plotted with care and lovingly crafted by its author, I am not a changed person for reading this one and it won't enter the annals of all-time favorites. Certainly not with Rules of Civility towering so high above it.

3.5 stars