This was one of the best I’ve read so far this year. Earlier I had asked some AI Chat bots what books I should read based on A Gentleman in Moscow, and finally one of them recommended this book, which managed to do many of the same things well.
The book is centered around an older character that is getting used to life on his own after his wife’s death, and the story is sort of a love story but also about remaining flexible, polite, and positive. There is a bright beam of kindness throughout this book, even in the face of racism, classism, and violence. The small town setting in rural England was similar to other books I’ve read recently, but everything here felt more real and quite a bit more entertaining.
Getting into this character’s head provides us with his very gentlemanly point of view, but also shows us the merits and limitations of his lifestyle and the code he lives by. He has thoughts and opinions on just about everything around him, but seeing where he decides to voice those thoughts and where he decides that something is just not for him without commenting was interesting to read. There is a lot here that shows how to live in a more welcoming and positive way, without being preachy.
And these comments and thoughts are surprisingly deep and full of wisdom. I’d enjoy reading this one again just to reflect on what the Major thinks about this and that. The author really found a voice here and it was a pleasure to read.
If I had to criticize anything, I’d say the ending felt a bit more dramatic than it really needed to be, with some turns that I was not expecting. But really I enjoyed almost everything about this book and hope to find more characters like this one out there.
Next I am reading Dead Lions by Mick Herron.
