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kennethtsukayama's review against another edition
5.0
Very well done. A gentler story than the plot would suggest, not over written and made me smile often.
ruthieduthie's review against another edition
2.0
When I began this book, on the recommendation of a friend, I was under the impression that it was a political thriller, and perhaps this misapprehension has coloured my appreciation. This is more a novel of character, charming, not afraid to showcase the author's culture and learning, but very thin on plot.
The main character, Count Rostov, could be the twin brother of Alexander McCall Smith's Professor Dr von Igelfeld, except that he is a Former Person, under permanent house arrest in a posh hotel shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution. Despite the the very particular historical setting, Russian political history hardly impinges until one or two chapters before the end.
I enjoyed the array of characters who inhabit the hotel: nearly all very humane, and (dare I say it ) American in all but name. But for me the novel was way too long with not enough to sustain interest, in fact bordering on the pretentious.
However I did enjoy the denouement, and empathised with the Count. It just took too long to get there - and I am not a person who is put off by the length of a novel.
The main character, Count Rostov, could be the twin brother of Alexander McCall Smith's Professor Dr von Igelfeld, except that he is a Former Person, under permanent house arrest in a posh hotel shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution. Despite the the very particular historical setting, Russian political history hardly impinges until one or two chapters before the end.
I enjoyed the array of characters who inhabit the hotel: nearly all very humane, and (dare I say it ) American in all but name. But for me the novel was way too long with not enough to sustain interest, in fact bordering on the pretentious.
However I did enjoy the denouement, and empathised with the Count. It just took too long to get there - and I am not a person who is put off by the length of a novel.
deblaroche's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a little while to get into this book (the names of characters were hard for this ignorant American!), but I'm so glad I stayed with it. Charming and intricate writing through and through.
amycornell's review against another edition
5.0
Count=Eloise
Metropole=Plaza
with a cold war backdrop and a more charming protagonist.
Metropole=Plaza
with a cold war backdrop and a more charming protagonist.
merbes00's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic writing and memorable characters. Worth the payoff if you stick it out all the way through; I was going to give it 4 stars until I got to the ending, which bumped it to 5.
clanhay's review against another edition
3.0
I’m conflicted about what rating to give this book. It’s an interesting premise and beautifully written but it’s also dreadfully boring.
Of course the story of someone spending the majority of his life under house arrest is supposed to convey a tedious and mundane existence.
Yes, I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.
Also as a dabbler in the culinary arts, I appreciated the part where the tree men conspired to obtain the necessary ingredients to prepare an authentic bouillabaisse.
Of course the story of someone spending the majority of his life under house arrest is supposed to convey a tedious and mundane existence.
Yes, I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.
Also as a dabbler in the culinary arts, I appreciated the part where the tree men conspired to obtain the necessary ingredients to prepare an authentic bouillabaisse.
drmare's review against another edition
5.0
This is the best book I've read since "All the Light We Cannot See." Amazing on many levels: a hard look at Russian post-revolution history and Russian culture; a study of human nature and friendship; a foray into literature, cuisine, and, language; and a fascinating glimpse of aristocracy. By turns, the book is funny, poignant, ugly, tense, and romantic. It is also blindingly beautiful; the prose is sublime. I borrowed this from the library and half-way through, I ordered my own hard copy. I want to read it again (and again), underline all the lovely turns of phrase tossed off with great aplomb, and lend it to others. If you are reading this review, you need to read this book.
meganremschel's review against another edition
3.0
I had really high expectations for this book just based on the reviews but was a bit disappointed. It didn't move very quickly at all and a lot of the book seemed like insignificant details. Nice ending but it all kinda seemed like a bit too elaborate for the story it was telling. I still enjoyed it but probably wouldn't recommend it
ktko17's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0