I was listening to a floss tube on Youtube and the person, Cynthia for Stitching in the Light, suggested the book The Lincoln Highway by Amore Towles. I checked with my online library and the book was in their collection but…I had to wait for it. I put my name on the list and finally, the book became available.
Books that come recommended to me always keep me guessing on knowing whether I’ll like them or not. Often times I like what’s recommended but other times, the book is filled with foul language or big romance scenes. That’s not my style and I end up not liking the book.
This one, I liked. It takes place in 1954. Life is hardscrabble for two boys who ended up in bad circumstances. Then meet up with two more boys also in bad circumstances and the book takes off from there. The book is told from the perspective of many and that really makes the book enjoyable and kept my interest. I could totally see a sequel to this book although it does end well.
Here’s what Amazon has to say:
“In June 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother is long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm is foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the working farm have hidden in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction—to the City of New York.
Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles’s third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes.”
Amazon readers gave the book 4.4 stars. I think I’d agree. I enjoyed the book and think it’s a good read.
If you’re interested, you can find the book HERE.
When reviewing the book I discovered that this is the author of the book, A Gentleman in Moscow. I tried to listen to that book once before and only got a few chapters in and quit. That been has gotten many great reviews. Now that I’ve listened to this book, it makes me wonder if I need to go back and read the other book. Has anyone read this?? Should I go back and give it another try??
I read A Gentleman in Moscow and enjoyed it. It was slow to get started but once I really got into it I really enjoyed it of course I was reading it and not listening to the audio book. The reader of the audio book makes a huge difference and some aren’t well,chosen. Give it another try and if you still find it doesn’t appeal to you put it aside and move on! Life is too short and there are so many good books out there it doesn’t make sense to read something you don’t enjoy.
I also really enjoyed “The Gentleman in Moscow” …maybe give it a read rather than audio book??? …❤️
A Gentleman from Moscow is one of my favorite books. I have to agree it does start slow, but I think the author is trying to introduce the other characters and setting the scene of the book. I didn’t want to say goodbye to the main character when the book ended. I have the Lincoln highway book but haven’t had a chance to get started.
I enjoyed each of the characters in The Lincoln Highway, and how the author brought them to life. Great writing!
I read A Gentleman in Moscow and absolutely loved it. A very good read with a good ending. I was eagerly awaiting The Lincoln Highway and sadly was very disappointed with the book. I didn’t even bother to read the entire book; I just skimmed the last half. It was almost as if the 2 books were written by different authors. So, if you liked The Lincoln Highway you may not like A Gentleman in Moscow but give it a second try.
I enjoyed the Lincoln Hiway (audio).
I really enjoy audio books by Ivan Doig. The reader is awesome.
I loved A Gentleman in Moscow and would only let myself read a few pages at a time to make last. It was a bit slow starting out but it’s one of my favorites. Do try it again.
I read “Rules of Civility” and really enjoyed it. WPR has featured A Gentleman in Moscow on chapter a day program. It would be available through the archives. You could listen to it through a computer or possibly phone.
I also listened to A Gentleman in Moscow on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Chapter a Day. I was drawn into the story and enjoyed the characters as well as the humor and dash of intrigue. Try Jim Flemming’s narration of the book from the archives and see what you think…and I should try the other Towles titles!
I read A Gentleman in Moscow a while back for my book club. It is slow moving, but after I read it I was glad; and my book club had a really good discussion about it. It is a thought provoking story. I intend to read The Lincoln Highway soon. I agree with NJ re the Ivan Doig books.
I enjoyed “A Gentleman in Moscow” more than the ” Lincoln Highway.”. The latter was quirkier than the former. Towles is a great writer, though.
I agree that A Gentleman in Moscow is slow to start, but I really enjoyed the book. I used an audio book. What kept me going was that I could not imagine being in the position he was in. I really enjoyed the book and am glad I stayed with it. One of my favorite recommendations.
love his writing. also try Dictionary of Lost Words (Pip Williams) and The Lost Apothecary ( Sarah Penner). a dear friend passed them on to me, and i thoroughly enjoyed them !
Like others, I really enjoyed “A Gentleman in Moscow”–one of my favorite books. I read the book rather than listening to the audiobook which I’m sure makes a difference. I usually pass my books on to others without wanting them returned, but this one I made sure got back to me. It’s a wonderful story about a time in history that I knew little about.
I, too gave up on the audio of A Gentleman in Moscow. My friend who has a very similar taste in books read it instead, and really liked it. I’ve been meaning to get back to it.