This 8-part British mini-series is based on the 2016 popular novel by Amor Towles.  It begins in 1922 after the Russian Revolution.  The Bolsheviks have wiped out the aristocracy but have spared Count Alexander Rostov.  He is sentenced to House Arrest in the hotel where he had been living.  The novel (and mini-series) span the next 30+ years with the Count living in the hotel and never going outside.

Bill Gates described the novel as “a fun, clever and surprisingly upbeat look at Russian history through the eyes of one man. .. A Gentleman in Moscow is an amazing story because it manages to be a little bit of everything. There’s fantastical romance, politics, espionage, parenthood, and poetry. The book is technically historical fiction, but you’d be just as accurate calling it a thriller or a love story….”  Click here to read his full book review.  It contains some anecdotes but no real spoilers.

I started reading this 480-page novel because I thought it might make an interesting script for Play Reading. I have not read enough yet to judge it fairly but, so far, I find it well-written and very entertaining. 

The first episode of the mini-series premiered yesterday on Paramount+ and Showtime.  It does a superb job of bringing the characters and hotel setting to life. But, for me, it was not as relaxing to watch the episode as it was to read that part of the novel.  I became anxious every time I saw a soldier lurking in the shadows.  Also, some of the flashbacks and fantasy sequences are disconcerting to view.

However, one splendid treat the mini-series offers, over the book, is the music.  Towles references music throughout his novel. It was a treat to hear classical music played throughout the first episode. 

I think casting Ewan McGregor as Count Rostov was a very wise choice.  He portrays the Count’s wit, charm and pensive soul not just with his demeanour but with his eyes – they are so expressive. It’s a delight to watch him!

I am looking forward to Episode 2 when we meet the actress Anna Urbanova, She is played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead who is McGregor’s wife in real-life.   New episodes will stream every Friday.

Here is a trailer for the series:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PpUtjfZB5g