Author: Amor Towles

A former nobleman imprisoned in the Metropol Hotel, Count Rostov is an inspiring character that seeks to maintain his dignity and purpose amidst limited his freedom.

“If a man does not master his circumstances, then he is bound to be mastered by them”

The Count restricted himself to two succinct pieces of parental advice. The first was that if one did not master one’s circumstances, one was bound to be mastered by them; and the second was Montaigne’s maxim that the surest sign of wisdom is constant cheerfulness.