by Amor Towles
Published September 6 2016 by Viking
Finished 3/9/17
I just love reading about Russians (novels, not the daily Presidential briefings, thank you). And I dare you not to fall in love while reading about the charming Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, exiled to life in his residence at the Hotel Metropol for writing a poem and for being a member of the aristocracy, an elitist. His Excellency will be shot if he sets foot outside the hotel. Life continues pretty much as before, though, because he is all about resilience, adapting, and making the most of your situation. Tossed from his luxury suite to a miniature room in the attic, he soon finds he can live quite comfortably with a little help from his friends and a lot of help from his attitude and ingenuity.
"...Let us simply agree that the wise man celebrates what he can" rather than be slowed down by life's humiliations, is his way of thinking.
Just as I found Rules of Civility to be elegant, humorous, and distinguished, I recognize the same elements here in spades. The prose has elegance; the Count, the hotel and its guests exude sophistication. This is a book that begs to go on and on, asking for your patience (yes, I gave it) as more topics are tackled, world history is retread (subtly), and more delights handed out by way of wonderful characters and unmatched story telling. You know that when the lead character can converse with anyone aged 5 to 95, can spin a tale at the drop of a Babushka, discuss food and wine with sous chefs, not to mention literature, and charm the dress off of a willful actress, here is an author who can probably do all of the above and more. I am impatient to see what else clever Mr. Towles has up his sleeve for us next!
No comments:
Post a Comment