English teacher Nancy Close read “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles over Christmas break. 

“The main character was an interesting character,” Close said. “He’s a likeable character, which matters to me.”

This novel follows Count Alexander IIylich, an aristocrat in Russia during the 1920s. After the Russian revolution, he was sentenced to a lifetime of house arrest in a hotel. He must adjust to his new life and become friends with others in the hotel. 

“My sister-in-law gave it to me for Christmas, and my mom, independently of that, was talking about it being a really good book,” Close said.

Amor Towles is best known for his historical fiction books, including “A Gentleman in Moscow” and “Rules of Civility.” In 2016, he was a finalist for the Kirkus prize.

“I would recommend it really to any audience,” Close said. “I do sort of think girls would like it more than boys.”

“A Gentleman in Moscow” illustrates the importance of maintaining a sense of identity even  when the world is changing.