I was given a paper-back book the other day about which I knew nothing and because I am currently mired in the history of Europe I haven't been able to read it. However, just to get the flavour I decided to read the first couple of pages. Now, of course, I just wish bloody Europe would get a move on so I can properly start reading "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles. To give you all a taste of it, here are those opening pages which are set in Moscow in 1918:
APPEARANCE OF COUNT ALEXANDER ILYICH ROSTOV BEFORE THE EMERGENCY COMMITTEE OF THE PEOPLE'S COMMISSARIAT FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Presiding: Comrades A. N. Ignatov, M. S. Zakovsky, A. Y. Kosarev
Prosecuting: A. Y. Vyshinsky
......................................................................................................
Prosecutor Vyshinsky: State you name.
Rostov: Count Alexander Ilych Rostov, recipient of the Order of Saint Andrew, member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt.
Vyshinsky: You may have your titles; they are of no use to anyone else. But for the record, are you not Alexander Rostov, born in St. Petersburg, 24 October, 1889?
Rostov: I am he.
Vyshinsky: Before we begin, I must say, I do not think that I have ever seen a jacket festooned with so many buttons.
Rostov: Thank you.
Vyshinsky: It was not meant as a compliment.
Rostov: In that case, I demand satisfaction on the field of honour.
(Laughter)
Secretary Ignatov: Silence in the gallery.
Vyshinsky: What is your current address?
Rostov: Suite 317 at the Hotel Metropol, Moscow.
Vyshinsky: How long have you lived there?
Rostov: I have been in residence since the fifth of September 1918. Just under four years.
Vyshinsky: And your occupation?
Rostov: It is not the business of a gentleman to have occupations.
Vyshinski: Very well then, how do you spend your time?
Rostov: Dining, discussing. Reading, reflecting. The usual rigmarole.
Vyshinsky: And you write poetry?
Rostov: I have been known to fence with a quill,
Vyshinsky: (Holding up a pamphlet) Are you the author of this long poem of 1913: Where Is It Now?
Rostov: It has been attributed to me.
Vyshinsky: Why did you write the poem?
Rostov: It demanded to be written. I simply happened to be sitting at the particular desk on the particular morning when it chose to make its demands.
Vyshinsky: And where was that exactly?
Rostov: In the south parlor at Idlehour.
Vyshinsky: Idlehour?
Rostov: The Rostov estate in Nizhny Novgorod.
Vyshinsky: Ah, yes, of course. How apt. But let us return our attention to your poem. Coming as it did in the more subdued years after the failed revolt of 1905 - many considered it a call to action. Would you agree with that assessment?
Rostov: All poetry is a call to action.
Vyshinsky: (Checking notes) And it was in the spring of the following year that you left Russia for Paris . . .
Rostov: I seem to remember blossoms on the apple trees . So, yes, in all likelihood it was spring.
Vyshinski: May 1916 to be precise. Now we understand the reasons for your self-imposed exile; and we even have some sympathy with the actions the actions that provoked your flight. What concerns us here is your return in 1918. One wonders if you came back with the intention of taking up arms and, if so, whether for or against the Revolution.
Rostov: By that point , I'm afraid that my days of taking up arms were behind me.
Vyshinski: Why then did you come back?
Rostov: I missed the climate.
(Laughter)
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Well, I don't know about you but I am utterly captivated by the cool, witty Count Alexander Ilych Rostov and I can't wait to see how events turn out for him.
I'm guessing badly.
Yesterday was Bastille Day. Nothing to celebrate at all. Its tragedy is still with us in the worst form.
Posted by: Whitewall | Monday, 15 July 2019 at 13:17
Well well, apparently my wifey unit already acquired said book and forgot to inform. Looks like I too will be reading it shortly. Thanks for the sampling of content, it does appear to be a page turner.
Posted by: Edward P | Tuesday, 16 July 2019 at 00:06
I can't wait to see how events turn out for him.
Probably badly since it was post-revolution and he is an aristocrat.
Posted by: AussieD | Tuesday, 16 July 2019 at 00:07
It is a corker... Alexey has already been sent a copy!!
Posted by: Richard | Tuesday, 16 July 2019 at 12:43
Excellent, and please pass on my best wishes to him.
Posted by: David Duff | Tuesday, 16 July 2019 at 13:08
An absolutely wonderful novel. You will love it.
Posted by: Malcolm Pollack | Wednesday, 17 July 2019 at 18:14
My own favourite section of repartee comes from the Masterpiece 'Casablanca'.
Captain Renault: What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
Rick: I was misinformed.
Posted by: Mike Cunningham | Friday, 19 July 2019 at 15:59
Good one, Mike, have you learned the entire script by heart, or have you watched it 3 million times?
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 19 July 2019 at 16:32