This is the story of Count Alexander Rostov who, in 1922, was tried and convicted of being an "unrepentant aristocrat" and sentenced to life under house arrest in the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. He is given a tiny room in the attics of the hotel and eventually given a job as the head waiter in their high end restaurant. The Count is forced to watch as the Russia he loves crumbles and is replaced by new leaders and new ideology. From his place within the hotel he watches the country change over the course of several decades. He creates a family made up of the employees of the hotel, along with some other notable guests. As he ages he is given the responsibility of raising his friend's daughter, Sophia. Not knowing anything about children he is a bit overwhelmed at first but can't imagine how big a role Sophia would go on to play in his life.
Admittedly, I don't know a lot about Russia's history but I found this to be a fascinating read as you see how the ideologies shifted and how that affected the people. I was intrigued by stories of propaganda (rural peasants not being allowed in the cities, city residents not being allowed in the country, train windows being blacked out) so no one could truly see how others were being affected by all the changes.
In addition to being a great story it was also beautifully written. Some parts were quite funny, some heartbreaking, but it was all beautifully done. This guy definitely has a way with words.
If you are looking for a book with a lot of action, this isn't the book for you. It's certainly not a page-turner in the traditional sense. Because it is all set in the hotel, there's not a lot happening. But the wonderful writing, fascinating history and interesting characters combine to make a fantastic, quiet read.
