When this crisis began I happened to be reading Emma because I had seen a trailer for the new film and neither Mr Knightley or Emma looked anything like the ones I had in my head so re-reading the book seemed a better option to watching the film. It has been an absolute joy and a perfect distraction in these difficult times. What are you reading? Is it a tried and tested 'comfort read' or are you taking the opportunity to read something you've been meaning to read for years and never quite got round to?
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One of the books I have most enjoyed is " A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles. In many ways it could be considered an ideal book for our times. It tells the story of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov who is placed under house arrest inside the Metropole Hotel in Moscow by the Bolsheviks, chiefly because he is an aristocrat. He remains in the hotel for many years, and is told if he should venture out he will be shot.
I realise that doesn't sound promising, but what follows is a charming story with believable characters and leaving them behind was a real wrench as I reluctantly came to the end of the book.
I was reminded of this novel because in recent days it has been mentioned several times by well known people as one of their favourite choices. Yesterday it was Antonio Pappano the music director of the Royal Opera House. I attended an insight morning at the Royal Opera House, during which Antonio led the orchestra in a rehearsal session, it was an enlightening morning and I thought he was very empathetic towards the musicians.