“Alexander Rostov was neither scientist nor sage, but at the age of sixty-four he was wise enough to know that life does not proceed by leaps and bounds. It unfolds. At any given moment, it is the manifestation of a thousand transitions. Our faculties wax and wane, our experiences accumulate, and our opinions evolve — if not glacially, then at least gradually. Such that the events of an average day are as likely to transform who we are as a pinch of pepper is to transform a stew. And yet, for the Count, when the doors to Anna’s bedroom opened and Sofia stepped forward in her gown, at the very moment she crossed the threshold into adulthood. On one side of that divide was a girl of five or ten or twenty with a quiet demeanor and a whimsical imagination who relied on him for companionship and counsel; while on the other side was a young woman of discernment and grace who need rely on no one but herself.”
~ Amor Towles, “A Gentleman in Moscow”
Just a short post this evening to share a highlight from what I typically do behind closed doors. A friend introduced me to this author as we were passing the time in a bookstore while waiting for a live concert to start.
How lovely is that, though? To pass the time among books, while waiting for music. I definitely lead a charmed life.
I was looking for something new to read at the time, so I noted her recommendation and stumbled on the first book of his (“Rules of Civility”) at a subsequent visit to the library. As soon as I finished reading it, I went out and bought my own copy, as well as his next book.
This is now my third journey into the writing magnificence of Amor Towles. I am reluctant to get through them all, but also excited, because then I can go back and read them all again.
Note: If you’re thinking of checking out his work, you can start with any of them. This isn’t a series. His books are simply well-written, engrossing, compelling, soul-filling writing the likes of which I haven’t come across in a very, very long time.
Bon appetit.
Muttering Retreats 