A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel

Written by:
Amor Towles
Narrated by:
Nicholas Guy Smith

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
897
Narrator
230
Release Date
September 2016
Duration
17 hours 53 minutes
Summary
The mega-bestseller with more than 2 million readers—soon to be a Showtime/Paramount+ series starring Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov

From the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lincoln Highway and Rules of Civility, a beautifully transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.
Reviews
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John D

Rich, enthralling, complex and intriguing we could not stop listening, brilliantly and subtly narrated by Nicholas Guy Smith

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ivie avery

One of the best reads this year. draws you in and out of story. is a book to keep and re-read.

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Edwina M

I didn't love this book as much as many others seem to. I did enjoy the writing style and found the characters fascinating, but the first four-fifths of the book is backstory that would have been much more engaging had it been woven into the "real" story that doesn't begin until the narrative is virtually over. Don't get me wrong--I enjoyed the various vignettes as I was reading them, but I kept wondering when something of substance was going to happen. All in all, I'd say this one illustrates the premise that a book can be less than the sum of its parts. A Gentleman in Moscow would have been twice as enjoyable at half the length.

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Anonymous

I enjoyed the book very much and the narration was wonderful. I loved hearing about the rich Russian history and the relationships formed in unusual circumstances.

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Anonymous

Excellent book. Hard to believe it was written by a non-Russian author. It captures nuances of the Russian historic events from the beginning to mid 20 century so well. Beautiful language, exquisite story of survival, and of unexpected personal ties and relationships.

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Calvin Flowers

Good story, charismatic characters, but somehow the story line felt incomplete or vacant at times, and left me wondering the possibilities.

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William C.

I loved The Lincoln Highway. When I finished it, I missed those characters for a week. While this book has some fantastic characters, the story was just bland. If I hadn’t loved The Lincoln Highway so much, I would’ve quit this book about halfway when it became apparent it was just going to plod along to some perhaps interesting ending. I haven’t quit a book in 20 years, so the streak continues. Glass half full…

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Anonymous

Loved the way the author uses language with beautiful and descriptive imagery.

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Laura M.

I LOVED this book! I usually read hard copies of books and rarely listen because the audio does not hold my attention, but this narrator was absolutely wonderful and the story was so interesting. Though the book was quite long, I felt like the writing was strong throughout, and the story was full of interesting plot twists, exquisite details, lovable characters, and--frankly--lots of wisdom for everyday life. And I learned so much about Russian history. If you don't mind the length, I can't recommend this book highly enough!

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Anonymous

My favorite book this year

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Misti N.

This took me a minute to figure out the vibe of this book. I couldn’t quite figure out where we were going. But once I settled in, it’s quite simply a masterpiece. 10/10. I loved the main character and I wanted to know him and dine with him at the Metropol.

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Sherry B.

I love how Towles’ establishes such well developed characters via their undertakings. He weaves a bit of Russian history in with the mentioning of Tolstoy, Chekov, Tchaiovsky, with me craving more. His creation of the child Nina is a brilliant! And how this story takes place almost fully in the Metropol Hotel and is still wonderful is true talent. Loved it!

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Ieva R.

Interesting, long rolling of the topic until essence is revealed. I enjoyed long listening of the book, described russians behaviour seems realistic.

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Chris D.

Slow, but good

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Anonymous

This has been one of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read/listened to. The author has used the English language so eloquently. I absolutely love authors who properly use the language, and words that challenge me to look them up! There were numerous times, when I had to stop and look up the meaning of the words he used, which challenged me to reuse those words in conversation. The story was clear, concise, so colorful, and a delight to listen to. I highly recommend this masterpiece of storytelling. And can’t wait until the movie comes out… Supposedly in 2024 with Ewan McGregor!

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Rhonda W.

Great book. I enjoyed it start to finish. Narration is dynamic.

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Nevena H.

I didn't expect much from this book, but I loved it. I loved it maybe exactly because of the unrealistic flaws of its plot. If I can describe the plot, omitting at this point spoilers, it will be with the Heraclitus quote: Change is the only constant in life. For a story about a Count under house arrest, over the timespan of decades (and 500 pages) to not become repetitive and boring, is an achievement! I find it especially unbelievable that the main character - a former person, a Count - was never brought to a gulag or a detention camp, because that's what the bolsheviks did and they didn't necessarily need a reason to do so. I found it also less than likely that, once a Count, a person "born with a silver spoon" would go as far as to become a head waiter in the restaurant of the hotel he's imprisoned in. And yet - the way the story was written and the characters presented, I wanted to accept those glitches in the fabric of the book's universe as at least plausible. In my book, this is good writing, even if it's technically flawed. After all, while the novel is historical in nature, it is still fiction, so liberties of this sort actually didn't bother me much if at all. Overall, I would gladly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction about an extremely depressing period of history but told from the always-hopeful point of view only someone with means could maintain in such dark times.

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Jenn H.

A very rich story driven by detail and endearing characters. While the writing and narration were very thorough, I felt the book hard to commit to. So much of it was focused on Russian history and culture which I’m not very drawn to. I kept waiting for the more explicit development of the main character, or some action to move the plot forward, but these two things were somewhat overshadowed by the long tangents of environmental descriptions and historical remembrances. This was helpful in getting a sense of the ambiance and culture at the Hotel Metropol, and the culture of Moscow, but considering the length and density of the book, I didn’t have the patience to finish it.

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Anonymous

Very compelling story with well-developed characters.

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Maureen L.

One of the best audiobooks I've listened to. Now I want to read the book. Didn't want it to end

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Margaret G.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the Count, all the characters were well drawn, engaging events and circumstances. A window into Moscow of the 1930’s and beyond.

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Clare B.

One of my all time favorite reads. The writing is so elegant and the narration beautifully tells the story.

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Axel L.

This was a beautiful book. Subtle and profound. Made me think about what makes a life worth living.

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Ranyana K.

An utterly beautiful book. Sensitive and exiting.

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Anonymous

Excellent narrator and a gripping story

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Cyn K.

The story is quite enjoyable and very smart, but the narrator absolutely makes this book a huge win.

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Karen H.

Superb writing, beautifully crafted, delightful and yet subtly (sometimes less subtly) poignant, even tragic. A uniquely drawn view of Russia from the daily activities within an internationally renowned hotel of fascinating characters who become intertwined and, ultimately, significant to the protagonist as WW1, civil war and revolution, depression, WW2 and the Stalin eras go by. I will listen again with my husband on a long road trip. A splendid experience.

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Anonymous

Excellent!!

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Daniel C.

Great historical fiction

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Andrea S.

Brilliant!

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Vanessa P.

Such a great book!!!!

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Anonymous

Excellent characters to love and wonder how allowed such openness at that Russian time The themes were magnificently woven together government rule,understanding of heart connections and adventures with skill and courage

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Amy J.

One of the most beautifully written books I’ve listened too. I’ve listened three times now. There’s hope, full relationships, and so much intelligence.

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Beverly T.

An absolutely beautiful book.

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Cintia T.

This is such a beautifully written feel-good book! The authors prose is amazing, the humor is well thought out and witty, the characters lovable and so easy to get attached to, and the overall message is very carefully constructed. Would 100% recommend to everyone!

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J R.

Interesting time in history, made more interesting by the author and reader. What could be boring & monotonous (years-long stay in a hotel) flies by with an interesting story with lots of twists & turns, fascinating characters, and a great reader.

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Michael G.

Loved it! So subtle and genteel.

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Anonymous

For a book lacking any sort of engaging plot line, this story (or lack thereof) is surprisingly enjoyable. But this essential element to any good novel is missing, leaving all the focus on writing style and the rich description which the author so abundantly provides. I like these stylistic elaborations, the unrepentant detail of the narration, and the continual musings of the Count, but a book with no direction, no plot, is pretty much unsalvageable. Still, it's good to read something different, just for a change.

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Jasmine R.

Was not as enthralled and impressed as so many others it seems. It was a great story with fascinating characters but was dull in parts and didn’t really grasp me as the reader.

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Anonymous

Amazing and enjoyable book. I had known Russia sent many to labor camps, Siberia, et al, but I had never conceived of house arrest! What an unusual way of punishing someone who had really not done anything against the state. I loved the ways he found to adapt to such a limited life style and I loved the way so many stepped up quietly to make his life better. This book is also rather frightening in light of the radicals who only want to destroy our country, not because of any real concern for the people, this is to further their quest for power and only they will benefit! Well written and narrated - I actually did the print and audio version.

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Amy W.

It started off slow, but developed a wonderful rhythm and style. Fabulous narrator and loved the characters, historical backdrop and humor.

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Elizabeth R.

I enjoyed this book so much that I listened to it twice to make sure I hadn't missed anything. It has a quiet, gentle humour that I loved. I always appreciate character driven novels and this was no exception. Also, the narrator was so good he should be given some kind of award. I listen to a lot of audio books and Nicholas Guy Smith is by far the best I've had the pleasure to hear.

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Carla V.

Absolutely loved this story. It was nothing like I expected but oh so much more! The Count was everything. He was oh so serious and proper but able to lower himself to engage with a child. Surely, the best of friends and something today's world is lacking in.

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Chris C.

Loved it! Time well spent and one of the best books I have read in a long time.

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Susan M.

Watching paint dry is more interesting. Couldn’t get through it.

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Brian B

The most boring book I have listened to in years. I tried four times to listen and get interested, but I had to give up and move on. Waste of money.

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Sheryl A

Absolutely exceptional author. This was a very hard book for me to get through, but I enjoyed the overall storyline.

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Ranelle M

It took a while for me to get engaged but once hooked I loved it. The reader was wonderful!

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John J C

A captivating story where the plot line is constantly refreshed over the almost 40 years of the tale while keeping key elements and characters steady and true like the foundations of a great building. I look forward to staying at the Metropol and climbing the belfry stairs to the 6th floor.

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Theresa J

This book is so hard to describe. It is beautiful and complicated. The characters are rich and interesting and the story weaves in and out of itself. Wonderful.

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Monique O

A little slow at first, but I found myself getting engaged, and I really liked it by the time it was over.

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Melissa F

Loved this book. It is an amazing read! And the narrator captures Andre rostoff perfectly.

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Robert D

I listened on a car trip that lasted the entire reading/listening of the book. It is a literary masterpiece elegantly presented on the audio book format.

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John S

Fascinating story that holds so much truth about life and love and human nature. Captivating reading performance.

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Susan C

Awesome book and narration!

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Sally M

This was a wonderfully engaging and creative tale with underlying social and political commentary that added to the overall appeal of the book. It was perfectly performed by reader Smith. The British accent brought authenticity that would have been lacking in an America's rendition. I must confess, I fell a little bit in love with Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov...

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Barbara E

I was totally surprised how much I enjoyed this book! I will be recommending it to many people. Will the ending lead to continuing the story?

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Amy T

This story was rich and engaging. It's not easy to write about one singular setting and keep readers so interested.

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Mike B

Although I have 2 hours left to go before the end, I am already saddened that this story is going to end. What a wonderful time it has been listening to this book. I am excited to give this book as gifts to some of my best friends, and family. It has truly been a pleasure.

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Brenda B

This is a warmly written account of a man who begins as a charming dilettante, and evolves into a man of wisdom, love, and grace, all while imprisoned in a Moscow hotel. The encroachment of communism into Russian society is told with clarity and light, through the individuals who lives are forever altered. Yet even amidst this army of the mean spirited and small minded, friendships may be formed, and help may be received and given. I'm sure this is a great book to read, but listening to it adds extra nuance and depth.

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Bruce MacDonald

Painfully boring, don't recommend , no plot to speak of ; dry

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Toni Saunders

One of the best books I have ever read. And I read a lot. Beautifully written, great story, amazing character development.

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Paula Holbein

Fabulous! So well written you could picture yourself in the hotel!

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Peter Malysewicj

I enjoyed every second of this novel. In my mind a blend of Hardy, leCarre and Tolstoy, a splendid piece of work. Actually just what I needed to put the current upheaval in American politics. The novel reaffirmed the role of civility and integrity as the prime forces in civilization, and an excellent tonic to rid oneself of the modern worship of the individual superstar killing off masses of evil ne'er do wells and saving society for us non super heros. I have highly recommended this book to several friends who are similarly enthralled. Well dome Amor Towles.

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Diana Hyland

Loved the storytelling across decades, the rich sensory descriptions, the wonderful Characters. I didn't want it to end!

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Kristine Bush

I appreciated and admired the writing style, but this is definitely not a light, relaxing read. I had difficulty really connecting with it. It would be an excellent book club read, however!

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Ruth Espey-Romero

Splendid read. I learned something new at the playing of each track. The narrator could not have been more perfect.

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Bruno Martins

Good book, tells a lot of Russia seen from a different view.

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Jennifer Schneider

Absolutely love this App! I am addicted- and so are my teenage kids! Amor Towles does not disappoint and the narration is fabulous! Perfect book to listen to and enjoy.

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Jackie Vance

Absolutely wonderful! The narrator was superb and put me in another world.

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Engracia Adams

A wonderful, wonderful book. It was beautifully read by the narrator!

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dayne sieling

The best book of the year. A beautiful and unique story with excellent narration.

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