27 Engaging A Gentleman In Moscow Book Club Questions

Last Updated on June 21, 2023 by Louisa

Is it time to start planning for your next book club meeting with some thought-provoking A Gentleman In Moscow book club questions? Then you’re in the right place!

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a novel that has it all – historical fiction, romance, adventure, and even a bit of humor.

But the real magic comes from the characters and their interactions. From the charming and witty Count Alexander Rostov to the precocious and curious Nina, the cast of characters is sure to captivate your book club’s attention.

Now, I know that discussing a novel with your book club can sometimes be daunting, especially if you’re struggling to come up with thought-provoking questions.

So don’t worry, I’ve prepared some book club questions for A Gentleman in Moscow that are sure to spark some interesting conversations.

So grab your copy of the book, a cup of tea, and let’s get started.

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Synopsis of A Gentleman in Moscow

A Gentleman in Moscow, the acclaimed novel by Amor Towles, revolves around Count Alexander Rostov in 1922.

After being labeled a rebellious nobleman, he is confined to one room in Metropol, an extravagant hotel. As he remains in his lonely abode, changes ripple outside its walls that will alter Rostov’s life irrevocably.

Known for his acumen and humor, he has never worked a day in his life and was accustomed to luxury before his exile to isolation.

However, out of these dire conditions, emerge new opportunities that give Rostov insight into his own feelings– something he may not have been willing to realize before.

Generic Book Club Questions for A Gentleman In Moscow

To get the conversation going, start by asking some generic book club questions, especially if your book club is new or if some members are shy or hesitant to share their thoughts.

These questions can be a way to break the ice and allow everyone to have a chance to voice their opinions and insights about the book.

• What did you think about the book?
• What were your expectations before reading A Gentleman In Moscow?
• How did A Gentleman In Moscow make you feel?
• Which was the most interesting scene in the book, in your opinion?
• Were there any characters that you felt you can relate to in any way?
• What are the key principles you have learned from the book? What have you taken away from the story?
• Did you feel this was a slow-burning novel or a real page-turner?
• Would you recommend this book to others?
• What do you think the front cover represents?
• Let’s talk about the ending. Were you shocked?

A Gentleman In Moscow Discussion Questions

Asking discussion book club questions can take your book club conversation to the next level.

These A Gentleman in Moscow discussion questions are designed to explore the themes, characters, and plot of a book in greater depth, allowing for a richer and more nuanced conversation.

• Think about the Count from the beginning of the novel to the end. How does his character develop? Does your opinion of him change as you learn more about him?
• Let’s talk about the women in Count’s life. How do Nina and Sofia influence him? Who else had a particular involvement in the way he turned out, do you think?
• What is it about the movie Casablanca that the Count loves so much?
• What do you think of Metropol? Do you think it sounds like a nice place?
• How do you think the author added humor to the novel? Were there any scenes you thought were funny?
• What did you learn about Russian politics, if anything?
• How do you think being under house arrest changed his view of politics and the revolution?

Educated Book Club Questions for A Gentleman In Moscow

Asking educated book club questions can be beneficial for members who are looking to take their reading and analysis skills to the next level.

These types of questions require a deeper level of critical thinking and analysis, as well as knowledge of literary techniques and themes.

If you’re looking to get more profound, then come armed and ready with these educated book club questions for A Gentleman in Moscow.

• What are your thoughts on Count’s sentence? Do you think it was fair?
• Why do you think he decided to stay in Moscow instead of leaving with his family?
• How does Count find a new purpose in life after his sentence?
• What do you think the story would be like if it was set today?
• Count is trying to find purpose in his life and fulfillment. What do you think makes a fulfilled life?
• What Count more in control or out of control?
• The author writes: “Fate would not have the reputation it has if it simply did what it seemed it would do.” Do you agree? Do you think it was Fate that bought this upon Count?
• What do you think of the Bolsheviks and their involvement in the novel?
• What do you think the author meant when they wrote: “If a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them.”
• Do you think Count regretted not leaving Russia?

5 Suggestions for What to Read Next

Now you have a list of A Gentleman In Moscow book club questions for your book club meeting, it’s time to plan the next one. Here are some suggestions for books to read next.

1. American Dirt – Jeanine Cummins

American Dirt is a gripping New York Times bestseller and Oprah Book Club selection as it tells the story of Lydia, her son Luca and their life in Acapulco.

Despite feeling comfortable in their hometown, the family’s life takes an unexpected turn when her husband publishes a tell-all profile about the newest drug lord.

Lydia and Luca have to escape with the hundreds of others seeking refuge in the United States.

What will they find in this new land? This tale of courage and resilience gives readers a glimpse into the themes of hope, family, and human kindness even in adversity.

2. The Lost Apothecary – Sarah Penner

The Lost Apothecary is a suspenseful novel of secrets, vengeance, and sisterhood.

In the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an esoteric clientele. 

Rumors abound of a mysterious woman who sells deadly poisons to women in order to protect themselves from their abusive husbands or male partners.

However, the apothecary’s fate is in jeopardy when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake that leads to consequences that continue through the centuries.

Caroline Parcewell, an aspiring historian, spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone in present-day London. She is researching the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago when she stumbles upon a clue that leads her to the apothecary.

However, Caroline’s life soon collides with the apothecary in a stunning twist of fate, and not everyone will survive.

3. A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman

This book follows the story of Ove, a grumpy old man that the neighborhood has deemed “the bitter neighbor from hell”. However, there’s a lot more under the surface of Ove’s mean exterior.

Ove hasn’t had the best experiences with people. He has been conned and taken advantage of by people in the past. The only person he cared for, his wife, lost her life in a tragic accident.

These experiences have led to Ove having a hard shell and coming across as a curmudgeon to everyone in his neighborhood.

It’s not until a new family moves in next door and an unkempt cat enters his life that a different side of the man is revealed.

This popular best-seller was made into a Swedish movie in 2015. A Man Called Ove has also inspired an American movie titled A Man Called Otto. It’s set to release on Christmas Day in 2022 and stars Tom Hanks as Otto.

Related post: A Man Called Ove Book Club Questions

4. The Great Alone – Kristin Hannah

Set in Alaska in 1974, the story follows Ernt Allbright, a man shaken by his experiences in the Vietnam War.

After he loses his job, he decides to take his family to search for a new life living off-the-grid in America’s last frontier. His wife Cora and teenage daughter Leni go with him willingly, though they have no idea what awaits them.

Upon arrival, they find an independent community of strong individuals willing to help despite the lack of resources. But as winter approaches and Ernt’s mental health deteriorates, dangers from within begin to outweigh those outside.

Locked up in their cabin with 18 hours of darkness lasting daily, the Allbrights are forced to confront that they are completely alone.

5. The Alice Network – Kate Quinn

The Alice Network tells a story of courage and redemption, featuring two women brought together after WWII.

Charlie St. Clair, who is pregnant and unmarried, gets banished from her family and uses the opportunity to find out what happened to her cousin Rose.

At the same time, Eve Gardiner enlists to fight as a spy in WWI and is introduced to the real-life Alice Network by Lili, the “Queen of Spies”.

Despite getting betrayed, she drinks away her days in a crumbling house in London until an American woman appears asking for a name she hadn’t heard in decades. Now they must work together to uncover the truth.

Final Word on A Gentleman In Moscow Book Club Questions

And that’s a wrap, book clubbers! I hope these A Gentleman in Moscow book club questions have given you some great ideas for your next discussion.

Remember, the best book club conversations are the ones where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions.

Don’t be afraid to challenge each other or to think outside the box when it comes to answering these questions.

One of the things I love most about book clubs is the opportunity to connect with others over a shared love of literature.

So take advantage of this time to really delve into the intricacies of A Gentleman in Moscow and explore the many themes and ideas presented within the novel.

And if you have any questions or comments about these discussion questions, feel free to leave them below.