Who knew that a book about such small things could be so engrossing? So many words come to mind when I think about the experience of reading this - delightful, lovely, atmospheric, elegant, wonderful, perfect. <3 I was a little apprehensive - almost 500 pages about a man stuck in a hotel? But this was as far from boring or claustrophobic as I could imagine. This was a book about a life well lived, even in less than ideal circumstances; about finding beauty in the commonplace; and the difference between being resigned to one's fate and being reconciled to it. Also, it's a book about food and wine pairings. Some seriously delicious-sounding food and wine pairings! Don't read this on an empty stomach. ^_^ 
 I know the year is very new, but Count Rostov is my early favorite for best character of 2017!