There’s nothing better than reading a really, really good book; that’s why I highly recommend reading A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. What was interesting about reading this beautiful novel was by page 100, I still wasn’t quite sure of the plot line, yet it didn’t matter–the prose were just that good! The narrator is a count who because of the drastic political changes beginning in Russia during the 1920s loses his title instantly and is put under house arrest–or in his case hotel arrest. He’s confined to the Metropol for the entirety of the novel, but life is never boring for Alexander Rostov. No in fact, life is both bountiful and eventful for this kindhearted, very distinguished individual.
We recently read this book for the high school teachers’ book club I started a few years ago. There’s a special build up to a meal that three men plan to enjoy one evening: it’s a French soup called bouillabaisse, so that’s exactly what I served. Of course the meal began with champagne–as every meal tends to for the count. Fresh baguettes accompanied the meal–bread is also an important component of this novel. While I couldn’t find Russian wine, I went with a special bottle instead: Santa Cristina from Villa Antinori. This was the wine Kevin and I served at our wedding; it’s also the palace we studied in during our junior year of college where we met. I think the count would have approved with my choice of wine pairing.
There was another attention to detail I followed for the book club meeting of A Gentleman in Moscow: my attire. I tried to dress like a Russian countess. I wore my embroidered flower tunic and also attempted to drip my self in jewels. I wore my coin necklace and doubled up on chandelier earrings. This was the day I wore purple eyeliner and bright magenta lips. It was all imaginative, but it was fun to pretend to be a Russian countess for the day–if at least in my mind. Dressing up has a way of taking me to other times and places. I love dressing up!
Have you read A Gentleman in Moscow?
I highly recommend putting it on your to-read list. It’s an exceptional novel–one that will you enchant your senses in a luxurious hotel filled with many characters during a time of a very historical Russia.
*This post has been linked to Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb‘s #iwillwearwhatilike link up.
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