I want to talk to someone about the very very end

It was with much sadness that I bid farewell to Alexander Ilyich Rostov this week, when I finished the last chapter of A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

What a wonderful main character.  A genuinely good human being.  I learned some things from him about patience, decorum, kindness, diplomacy. As I enter into my 6th decade I am constantly seeking role models for how I should live my life. But that's a story for another post.  If you read it, please let me know in the comments what you thought.  I have talked to people who LOVED it as I did, and others who "couldn't get into it".  As it was winding down I thought I knew how it was going to end, and I was right, kind of.   Dang I want to talk to someone about the very, very, end.  

Highly Highly Highly recommended.  This one is not just a good read.  It will go down as one of my very favorites of all time.  Such good writing.  As I was driving there were so many times I thought "Oh I need to write that down".  I will request the book from the library and go sit with it for a few hours at one of my favorite coffee spots in Lawrence, and pretend Alexander Ilyich and I are meeting at the Piazza in the Metropol hotel, in Moscow in 1925.  

Comments

[Janet]

I read this in my book club this year. Although a bit slow at the beginning, the more I read it, the more I liked it. Imagine being confined to one location for such a long time--but if you had to be imprisoned in a building the Metropol hotel would be it! I liked imagining how it would be to live in that situation. The resiliency of the human spirit and mind--he was interest in everything and kept his mind refreshed with new ideas. The ending was not what I expected.

[Dianne]

I totally agree - one of my all-time favorite reads. Such wonderful characters, and a really original and engrossing plot. I think it’s one to re-read in a couple of years, too.

[carol]

This may spoil the end if you haven't read the book.. I am trying to be vague, but further comments may let the cat out of the bag. Be warned.

Janet and Dianne: Once I thought I knew what he was doing at the end, I expected he and Sofia to meet up. Were you guys surprised by where he ended up?

[jacki long]

I asked you once if you had read it, Carol? I just finished it yesterday and I agree with everything you said and more. I found myself dragging my feet in reading towards the end, as I didn't want to be over.

[Violet Cadburry]

LOVED this book. And as I am entering my sixth decade also have conveniently forgotten the plot. So I get so go another round. I have a list of great books I have read and recycle it every ten years or so😂

[Carol]

I have already purchased my personal copy with the exact plan you have Violet Cadburry!! I am going to get this copy all marked up!

[Carol]

Jacki! I did the “slow down to stretch out” maneuver at the end too!