I tried reading this a few months ago and couldn't get into it, but knowing how much my sister loved it, I had to give it another try. All this current Russian nonsense in the news gave me motivation, and I'm so happy I didn't write this one off. This time I was in just the right mindset to enjoy this quietly exciting and poignant story of a lovable Russian count who finds himself banished to the confines of a hotel after the Russian civil war in the 1920s. Sounds like it could be a snooze of a book, but I promise it's not! Once you get to know the characters, particularly the ever-charming Rostov, your investment in the outcome will keep the pages turning. I didn't want this one to end, which is always a bittersweet feeling. Amor Towles is a fantastic writer - I could see myself returning to this one someday simply for the beautiful turns of phrase.