BrotherPegasus t1_j9zwnsx wrote on February 25, 2023 at 8:15 PM

I found the first third sort of twee, and the Count two-dimensional, but I agree that Sofia’s involvement changes everything and gives the book momentum and purpose. I loved it. Picked up Rules of Civility right afterwards. Also wonderful. Towles is now a favorite author.

iamthedanger1985 OP t1_j9zxa1t wrote on February 25, 2023 at 8:19 PM

How does it compare to Gentleman in Moscow? Better?

I’m getting John Irving vibes. Like Owen Meany was a masterpiece and his rest were just ok.

BrotherPegasus t1_ja08uss wrote on February 25, 2023 at 9:39 PM

RoC is similarly structured but set in NYC in the late 20s, 30s, with bits of the late 60s. It’s more intense, more compelling to a broader audience. More immediately tragic. Thought GiM took the core tragedy of Russians in that era too lightly and nobility’s losses too significantly. Rules of Civility is very satisfying literature. His best that I’ve read of his books. I can see Irving’s sweep in Towles’ novels. I’m having trouble with his latest, Lincoln Highway. I can’t find a way in, so I set it aside for now.

iamthedanger1985 OP t1_ja0a2r8 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 9:47 PM

Yea agree. I stopped Irving after Window for a Year. But thanks for the recommendation. I’ll pick up RoC 👍

Pnkrkg6644 t1_ja1rhld wrote on February 26, 2023 at 4:50 AM

I loved the Lincoln Highway. Try it too.