I went into reading A Gentleman in Moscow with mixed feelings.
This book had been on my radar for years. While I generally love stories set in Russia, I’ve never been particularly inclined to go for this one. I think it largely has to do with the fact that the person who recommended I read A Man Called Ove — one of my favorite books EVER — also recommended that I not read A Gentleman in Moscow. She said I wouldn’t like it, and she wasn’t usually wrong about such things. (Um, she still isn’t. Keep reading.)
However, A Gentleman in Moscow kept popping up, and finally at one loyal Tartlet’s repeated recommendation, I picked it up.
And put it down again.
Then picked it up…aaaaaand put it down again. Then picked it up…
I think you can see where I’m going with this.
Basically, I kept forcing myself back to the story; nothing about it sucked me in. I gave up reading at page 73 and added A Gentleman in Moscow to my DNF list.
Now, for those of you who’d like to give this one a chance: this is not a bad book. When I posted a photo of it on Instagram, so many people chimed in about how much they adored this book. There’s lovely writing, beautiful descriptions of 1920s Moscow and St Petersburg, and a main character with a sense of humor I greatly appreciated. Lots of good history, too, in what I read, and I suspect there’s even more to come in the pages I didn’t get to.
But, A Gentleman in Moscow is clearly a slow burn and could be considered literary fiction, which isn’t my preferred genre. There were chapters that interested me and chapters that didn’t. I waffled back and forth for most of the 73 pages that I read. There are probably plenty of people who find wading through this story worthwhile, but as of right now, I’m sadly not one of them.
An important item of note is that A Gentleman in Moscow is about a Count imprisoned in an attic apartment of a grand Moscow hotel. At the time I read this book, I was in month 11 of COVID quarantine in my small home, and the concept of a man under house arrest just was not appealing. I thought about giving the story one more shot now that my vaccinated self has been out and about, but…
Nope. Too many books, so little time.
In conclusion, a message to the brave Tartlet who mentioned this book to me (you know who you are!): I sincerely thank you for your recommendation. I love hearing from readers and have discovered some great books due to their reading tips and advice. So, keep ’em coming!
Tartlets, have you read A Gentleman in Moscow? If so, what did you think of it? I’d love to know your thoughts!
I loved “A Gentleman in Moscow” so much I gave it my ultimate praise–I bought it.
Trish, that IS the ultimate praise! Buying books is a luxury these days; I also only do it for the ones I really love. 🙂
I tried a few times to get into A Gentleman in Moscow but I eventually gave up! I agree that there are too many other books out there to force yourself to read something you aren’t enjoying!
Hi Jamie! Glad I wasn’t the only one having a tough time. 🙂 I hope you enjoyed your next read better.
Hi CJ, Thanks for trying out one of my fav’s. A Gentleman in Moscow.The ultimate shelter in place novel. I am inspired to find another book that would romance your soul and let you relish with complete immunity. In a world of you tube and tiktok you inspire us all to keep reading.
Here is to the beverage of choice, a blustery day, comfy couch and delving into another great book.
Best, Elle
Hi, Elle! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad this blog can inspire you to find new books you’d like to read. And, yeah…I can pretty confidently say you won’t be seeing me embrace the TikTok trend that’s sweeping the world. I hate being on camera and much prefer being in the background to let the food and books shine!