Caballero en Moscú / a Gentleman in Moscow

Another book club book and I swear in trying to speed read this I must have missed huge chunks and don’t fully understand what happened at the end! But I loved the descriptions and the main character and would probably happily re-read it on an island. One critique from another in book club which I agree somewhat with is that the main character didn’t feel very Russian; his optimism in particular felt very American. But maybe that’s the point- the internationalists perspective? Or maybe we have too grim a view of Russia? Nonetheless a great read and would recommend.

Reminded me of Armando Iannucci's 'Death of Stalin'. The resilience of the human spirit during isolation and incarceration. Humour and routine essential and surrounding oneself with qualitative beauty; a hideaway and characters.

There were times I nearly gave up on this. I didn't and overall I am glad I persevered. I do feel it could have had soem editing gown in parts though.