Book Club Questions for “A Gentleman in Moscow”

Character Analysis

1. Describe Count Alexander Rostov’s character. How does he adapt to his changing circumstances?
2. How do the other characters in the Metropol Hotel contribute to Count Rostov’s transformation?
3. Discuss the relationship between Count Rostov and Nina Dobrev. How does it evolve throughout the novel?

Themes and Motifs

1. How does the novel explore the theme of resilience and adaptability? Provide specific examples.
2. How does the setting of the Metropol Hotel reflect the changing political and social landscape of Moscow?
3. What is the significance of the recurring motif of music in the novel?

Historical Context

1. How accurately does the novel portray the historical events of the Russian Revolution and Stalin’s regime?
2. What challenges did Amor Towles face in writing a novel that spans several decades of Soviet history?
3. How does the novel shed light on the human toll of political upheaval?

Literary Techniques

1. Discuss the author’s use of foreshadowing and symbolism. How do these techniques enhance the reader’s understanding of the story?
2. How does the novel’s structure, with its alternating chapters focused on different characters, contribute to the narrative arc?
3. What role does humor play in the novel? How does it balance the darker themes?

Personal Connections

1. How did the novel resonate with your own experiences or views on history?
2. What lessons can be drawn from Count Rostov’s journey for our own lives?
3. Did the novel change your perspective on resilience or adaptability in the face of adversity?

Additional Questions for Discussion

1. What were your favorite and least favorite aspects of the novel?
2. How does the novel compare to other historical fiction you have read?
3. What would you have liked to see explored further in the story?

Table 1: Major Characters and Their Relationships

Table 2: Historical Events Depicted in the Novel

Table 3: Literary Techniques Used in the Novel

Table 4: Themes and Motifs Explored in the Novel