A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

I procrastinated in reading this book for two reasons. First, who wants to read a book about a man who lives his life in a hotel in Russia? And second, everyone (and I mean everyone) was raving about this book and I was afraid that my expectations would be too high and I'd be disappointed. So I was an idiot. This is a beautiful book and well worth the praise. And the writing..... is simply divine. It took me a long time to read it because I kept rereading paragraphs that were so wonderful! Here's a few of my favorites.

In describing how the Count had trouble sleeping due to problems on his mind:

Like in a reel in which the dancers form two rows, so that one of their number can come skipping brightly down the aisle, a concern of the Count's would present itself for his consideration, bow with a flourish, and then take its place at the end of the line so that the next concern could come dancing to the fore.

When writing about dining in a restaurant:

Surely, the span of time between the placing of an order and the arrival of appetizers is one of the most perilous in all human interaction. What young lovers have not found themselves at this juncture in a silence so sudden, so seemingly insurmountable that it threatens to cast doubt upon their chemistry as a couple? What husband and wife have not found themselves suddenly unnerved by the fear that they might not ever have something urgent, impassioned, or surprising to say to each other again? So it is with good reason that most of us meet this dangerous interstice with a sense of foreboding.

The characters are all unique and charming, especially the Count. And while I admit to knowing very little about Russian history, I found the setting and the time to be fascinating. This truly is truly a special book. Put aside what you're reading now and get this one! Very highly recommend!! -June