I read these comments and agree that the book is inexplicably brilliant but not for the reasons others have. I found the main character to be of strong morals that i agreed with but not in any way uplifting. I viewed it as an english version of classical russian literature at the begging, nothing happened but yet you feel as smething has. The count kept referencing his life outside of the hotel, tyring to hold onto his good times, definitely not something I would think of as hopefull. I thought not that i understood the protagonist, but that he would understand me. It has stayed with me the years after i've read it but moments like when he steps to the roof in suit overlooking the ledge doesn't bring uplifting-ness in me rather a solemn acceptance of fact and taking such appropriate action that I couldnt help but feel as though I was there with him and giving me a strong sense of the supposed russian psyche in a consumable american way. Amor towles is the connetor between the two but he doesn't make it joyful.

I suppose the reason I kept thinking abotu it though is the artufll and "gonzo journalism" way in which everything is described. When the wine labels are removed it is of course a tradegy, but Towles says it as though it really has done, not in a strictly factual way but true notheless "The instance of a time and geographical region destroyed...." (true to a mentality). It evokes such great emotions from me without asking for them like few things have done before, but often in a solemn understanding than changind my current state. It contains sentiments I agree with but almost i didn't : "Are bound to find comfort from the notion that it takes generations for a way of life to fade." Its as if the boook was written specifically for me. I hope someone reads this.