Real perspectives from a fictional Russian
The ever growing stack of my “to-read” books has had Amor Towles’ “A Gentleman in Moscow” for about a year now. Several friends, whose literary opinion I respect, raved about this novel and one of them even bought me my copy.
However, time flies when you’re trying to read all the books you’ve been suggested and diminishing my “to-read” stack is a Sisyphian (albeit, welcome) task at this point. But I finally picked this one up and although I’m a little late to the game, better late than never.
Set in early 20th century Russia, this story follows the witty, lovable Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov and his unique survival of the Bolshevik revolution and all its chaotic intensity. Like most aristocrats of that time (who remained in Russia), Count Rostov was brought before a tribunal and sentenced to death, guilty by association of his class. And being unrepentant, he would have received his punishment if not for a pro-Revolutionary poem attributed to him a few years prior. So instead of the firing squad Count Rostov was placed under house arrest in the Hotel Metropol in Moscow.
At this point you may wonder what I myself did: how much can really happen in the singular setting of a hotel? Well, more than you can think. But perhaps more than action, the vividness of each character, brought so cleverly to life, is captivating and keeps the reader gripped to the story. Count Rostov’s acquaintances become friends and some become like family. A young girl, Nina, whose parents reside in the Metropol, soon becomes one of his dearest companions; along with the skilled chef, the maitre d’hotel, and a beautiful actress, to name a few. Necessity is the mother of invention and a person needs to have a community. Between that and Rostov’s enigmatic demeanor, he soon runs in a diverse, eclectic circle.
Throughout the novel, Rostov gives thought-provoking insights on the passage of time, when to change with it or not, and how to do so. His reflections on the current state of his own affairs give greater context to the fascinating historical period the story takes place in. Through Rostov’s eyes, readers are provided a deeper look into the turmoil and difficulty of post-revolutionary Russia.
One of my favorite things about Rostov’s character is his adaptability. At the outset, he is forced to move into a tiny, cramped space in the servants’ quarters and is allowed limited personal items. The few he can bring along with him hold sentimental value and the beautiful craftsmanship of an age quickly passing by; and what he must leave behind, he does so sadly but promptly. Rather than becoming overshadowed by nostalgia, he adapts and maintains an unrelentingly positive outlook.
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While he misses the past and grieves loved ones and ways lost, he doesn’t keep one foot in yesterday, unable to step into tomorrow. Neither is he cold and totally detached from memories.
He cherishes old mementos, reminisces on days gone-by and admires the propriety that he was raised in. Rostov is a realist and he manages to hold onto his ideals without letting them chain him down.
Given the limitations of his lifestyle, particularly his inability to ever leave the Metropol, Rostov doesn’t have many options or paths to pursue. Nevertheless, he makes them. He doesn’t grow idle, bitter or depressed. He perseveres and optimistically plays the hand he’s been dealt.
Especially with the Thanksgiving season upon us, I have found myself thinking of Rostov’s character and how his general demeanor of gratitude allowed him to thoroughly enjoy whatever he did have, despite obviously lacking most freedoms and their subsequent pleasures. Given his situation, it would be understandable to simply be glad he survived, but by being grateful for the small amount of things or moments he had — even the responsibilities he continues to pick up over the years — Rostov cultivates the desire to live and thrive, not merely to exist.
Count Rostov is a good reminder to love the little things in life. They say the devil is in the details, but more often than not I find God there instead. Those small, unnecessary things that prove neither imprudent nor practical: whipped cream in your morning coffee, picking flowers for your own desk, an unplanned phone call from an old friend, or a pair of detailed silver earrings from a pawn shop.
When life gets difficult and times are hard, it seems to be those little things that people fight for. Something about adding a little beauty, receiving a little grace, is what keeps us human. As times grow tougher in Russia, Rostov and his friends strive harder to embrace and enjoy those little things.
While we may not be suffering the extreme instability of a complete political upheaval as is the case in this novel, we all have an internal chaos within our individual lives. Rostov is a perfect example of the fact that we cannot fix the messiness of the world but that we can put order into our own lives; and only by doing that can we truly progress.
Although it took me longer than I would’ve liked to get around to reading this, I’m so grateful I did. Towles manages to hearken back to the deep introspection of a classic Russian novel while at the same time keeping a lighthearted, modern air. Cleverly written, delightful characters and a beautiful era, this story should not stay in your “to-read” stack for too long.
(Anna Barren teaches fifth grade and is a lifelong lover of books. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
