A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles vs. Artemis
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
A Gentleman in Moscow is a historical fiction novel by Amor Towles. It follows Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat who, after the Bolshevik Revolution, is sentenced to house arrest in the grand Hotel Metropol in Moscow. Instead of being imprisoned in a cell, he’s confined to the hotel, which becomes both his cage and his world. The story spans several decades, starting in the 1920s and running through key moments of Soviet history. Most of it unfolds inside the hotel, which is no ordinary place—it's a bustling, self-contained universe. Rostov, who begins the story living in a lavish suite, is forced to move into a tiny attic room. Despite this fall from grace, he navigates his new life with wit and charm, forming friendships with the hotel staff, guests, and unexpected visitors. The book isn’t just about the Count’s personal journey—it’s also about how time changes people and places, how history creeps in even when you’re standing still, and how small acts of kindness and lo...
Artemis
Jasmine Bashara never signed up to be a hero. She just wanted to get rich. Not crazy, eccentric-billionaire rich, like many of the visitors to her hometown of Artemis, humanity’s first and only lunar colony. Just rich enough to move out of her coffin-sized apartment and eat something better than flavored algae. Rich enough to pay off a debt she’s owed for a long time. So when a chance at a huge score finally comes her way, Jazz can’t say no. Sure, it requires her to graduate from small-time smuggler to full-on criminal mastermind. And it calls for a particular combination of cunning, technical skills, and large explosions—not to mention sheer brazen swagger. But Jazz has never run into a challenge her intellect can’t handle, and she figures she’s got the ‘swagger’ part down. The trouble is, engineering the perfect crime is just the start of Jazz’s problems. Because her little heist is about to land her in the middle of a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself. Trapped...

Reviews
Reviewed on 2/23/2025
Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, a Russian aristocrat is sentenced to house arrest in his residence at a luxury Hotel Metropol in Moscow. The story spans decades, as Rostov develops friendships, enmities and relationships with the staff and guests at the Metropol. I've actually listened to this story as an Audible audiobook two or three times.
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Fast-paced and engaging | 1 | |
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Complex technical jargon | 1 | |
Uneven pacing at times | 1 | |
Limited character development | 1 | |
Less grounded than "The Martian" | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
'A Gentleman in Moscow' focuses deeply on character development, particularly through the life of Count Rostov as he navigates relationships over decades. In contrast, 'Artemis' features a strong protagonist in Jasmine Bashara, but some readers feel that the character development is limited compared to the depth found in Towles' novel. Therefore, if character development is a priority, 'A Gentleman in Moscow' may be the better choice.
'Artemis' is described as fast-paced and engaging, with a plot centered around a heist and conspiracy, making it thrilling for readers who enjoy action and suspense. On the other hand, 'A Gentleman in Moscow' unfolds more slowly, focusing on the intricacies of life within the confines of a hotel. Readers looking for a gripping, fast-moving story may prefer 'Artemis', while those who appreciate a more reflective narrative might lean towards 'A Gentleman in Moscow'.
'Artemis' is set in a unique lunar colony, providing a fresh and imaginative backdrop that enhances its science fiction elements. In contrast, 'A Gentleman in Moscow' is set in the historical context of a luxury hotel in Moscow, which, while rich in cultural detail, is more grounded in reality. For readers seeking a distinctive and futuristic setting, 'Artemis' would be the preferred choice.
'Artemis' is noted for its humorous dialogue and wisecracking protagonist, making it a light-hearted read despite its serious themes. 'A Gentleman in Moscow', while it may contain moments of wit, is generally more serious in tone. Therefore, if humor is a key factor for enjoyment, 'Artemis' is likely the better option.
'A Gentleman in Moscow' is a historical fiction novel by Amor Towles that follows Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat sentenced to house arrest in the Hotel Metropol in Moscow after the Bolshevik Revolution. The story spans several decades, exploring Rostov's life within the confines of the hotel, his relationships with staff and guests, and the impact of historical events on his existence.
The author of 'A Gentleman in Moscow' is Amor Towles, an American novelist known for his engaging storytelling and richly drawn characters.
'A Gentleman in Moscow' explores themes such as the passage of time, the impact of history on individual lives, the importance of friendship and loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The ambiance in 'A Gentleman in Moscow' is richly described, capturing the opulence of the Hotel Metropol and the various settings within it, from fine dining rooms to hidden corridors. The novel conveys a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reflecting the Count's experiences and interactions over the decades.
Pros of 'A Gentleman in Moscow' include its beautifully crafted prose, engaging character development, and the exploration of profound themes within a historical context. However, some readers may find the pacing slow at times, as much of the story unfolds within the confines of the hotel without significant action.
Readers generally appreciate 'A Gentleman in Moscow' for its rich storytelling and character depth. Many enjoy the audiobook format, with some listeners having experienced the story multiple times, indicating its lasting impact and appeal.
'Artemis' is a science fiction novel by Andy Weir that follows the story of Jasmine Bashara, a small-time smuggler in humanity’s first and only lunar colony. In her quest to get rich and improve her living conditions, she gets involved in a high-stakes heist that leads her into a dangerous conspiracy for control of Artemis itself. The novel is filled with scientific details, humor, and suspense.
Pros of 'Artemis' include its fast-paced and engaging plot, a strong and relatable protagonist, rich scientific details, humorous dialogue, and a unique lunar setting. However, some cons are the complex technical jargon, uneven pacing at times, limited character development, and it being less grounded than Andy Weir's previous novel, 'The Martian'.
The protagonist of 'Artemis' is Jasmine Bashara, also known as Jazz. She is a small-time smuggler living in Artemis, the first and only lunar colony. Jazz is ambitious and resourceful, willing to take on risky ventures to achieve her goal of becoming wealthy.
'Artemis' is written by Andy Weir, who is also the author of the bestselling novel 'The Martian'. Weir is known for his detailed scientific accuracy and engaging storytelling style.
The setting of 'Artemis' is unique because it takes place in humanity’s first and only lunar colony. The city of Artemis is vividly imagined and combines elements of a futuristic lunar environment with familiar aspects of human society, making for a fascinating backdrop to the story.