Reviews tagging 'Gun violence'

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

15 reviews

elzmri's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

After studying the historical period at A Level some years ago, it was fun to revisit the subject in this wonderfully written book. Nuggets of history which has clearly been thoroughly researched, subtle humour and great depth to characters alongside such a beautiful writing style had made this book one of my all time favourites.
While I wish there were more to the ending, I am glad that Towles didn’t go with the cliché, as I don’t think I would have coped with a hurt Sasha or Sofia :(


A brilliant read, and I would love to read more about these characters in the future (please, Mr Towles).

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turidt's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5


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shaleen64's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This book beautifully explores how even though we may not know it at the time, we are always on the right path for us.

The characters are fully realised and lovable for different reasons. A Gentleman in Moscow is a very fitting description of the main character. 

The book has some beautiful prose and many quotable lines. The storyline of Nina’s daughter and the counts ‘fellow poet’ were simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Whilst I’d recommend the book, the only reason I wouldn’t rate it higher is because I often found myself lost whilst reading due to the sheer amount of characters/details that didn’t seem integral to the story. For me, this meant it was a much slower read than normal, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.

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villenview's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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ireadinbed's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Honestly this is the first book ive waited a long time to read that really lived up to my expectations. 

It felt like reading a childhood favorite. I loved the descriptions and the characters and the meandering way the story progresses. And the ending was so wonderful. 

I am certain this book will stay with me for a long time. 

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nadia's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.25

I went into this book with such high hopes and I was a little concerned at the beginning — it felt too slow and it didn't grab me — but at some point I got immersed in it and came to the realisation that it was just so delightful and the writing wonderful.

The characters, the setting, the emotion, the sprinkles of humour, the history, the life lessons, and more!

A beautiful book!

(Warning: The book features spoilers for Anna Karenina, The Brothers Karamazov, and the film Casablanca. You'll get even more out of the book if you're familiar with the latter!)

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bootsmom3's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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lipstickitotheman's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I didn't think I'd like listening to this! However the pov character, narrator, and audiobook reader made this tiny world so lovely. He's so charming and charmed by the world. I think normally I would find this kind of book a bit boring. But because Alexander finds such delight in "little things" and the world and people around him, it's fun and exciting and interesting to experience with him. 

His relationship with his daughter truly made me cry. I cried over how much they love each other. I cried when his
best friend died
and he cried because
he said that the last of those who knew him when he was young was dead

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spookily's review against another edition

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challenging funny hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5


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pershie13's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I've had this book on my TBR for years, and let me tell you it completely exceeded the already lofty expectations that I had for it! A Gentleman in Moscow follows the journey of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who is living under house arrest in Bolshevik Russia shortly following the Russian Revolution. Set in Moscow's Metropol Hotel, we follow the Count's relationships with guests and employees at the hotel, as well as how he reacts to the circumstances of living out his life in one place. The evolutions of these relationships and circumstances throughout the years are fascinating and will leave you constantly guessing at what will happen next. The book is beautifully written, both in its prose and its content, and I found myself connecting with numerous characters from all walks of life. I can certainly add A Gentleman in Moscow to the shortlist of one of the best books I have ever read, and I look forward to reading Amor Towles' other works. This book is simply a masterpiece.

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