Books Like A Gentleman in Moscow

Narrated by Death during World War II, this unique story follows Liesel, a young girl living with foster parents in Nazi Germany. As she learns to read and shares stolen books with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement, the story explores the power of words to both destroy and heal, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

Winner 1989 Booker Prize: A tragic, spiritual portrait of a perfect English butler and his reaction to his fading insular world in post-war England. From the Nobel Prize-winning author of Never Let Me Go. In the summer of 1956, Stevens, the ageing butler of Darlington Hall, embarks on a leisurely holiday that will take him deep into the countryside and into his past . A contemporary classic, The Remains of the Day is Kazuo Ishiguro's beautiful and haunting evocation of life between the wars in a Great English House, of lost causes and lost love.

Marie-Laure lives in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where her father works. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel. In a mining town in Germany, Werner Pfennig, an orphan, grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find that brings them news and stories from places they have never seen or imagined. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments and is enlisted to use his talent to track down the resistance. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.

Kristin Hannah's 'The Nightingale' is a poignant tale set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, following the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate love, sacrifice, and resistance. Vianne, a mother and wife, faces impossible choices to protect her family, while Isabelle joins the French Resistance, risking everything to fight for freedom. The novel beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships, the horrors of war, and the strength of women in the face of adversity. Through vivid storytelling and well-developed characters, Hannah weaves a gripping narrative that will tug at your heartstrings and linger in your thoughts long after finishing the last page.

Amor Towles' 'The Lincoln Highway' follows the captivating journey of Emmett Watson, a young man recently released from a juvenile work farm, as he embarks on a transformative road trip with his brother and two friends from Nebraska to New York City. Set in the 1950s, this novel weaves a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of human connection. Through vivid storytelling and intricate character development, Towles explores themes of family, friendship, redemption, and the pursuit of the American dream. As the group encounters a mix of challenges and unexpected encounters along the iconic Lincoln Highway, readers are drawn into a richly layered narrative that delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and the choices that shape our lives.

In 'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles, readers are transported to the vibrant and glamorous New York City of the late 1930s. The novel follows the intelligent and ambitious Katey Kontent as she navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and social mobility. Through Katey's experiences, the book delves into themes of class, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Towles' elegant prose captures the essence of the era, immersing readers in a world where appearances and manners hold great importance. As Katey encounters a cast of intriguing characters and faces pivotal decisions, the novel explores the consequences of ambition and the true meaning of success.

Set in Paris during World War II, 'The Paris Library' by Janet Skeslien Charles tells the captivating story of a young librarian, Lily, who works at the American Library in Paris. The novel weaves together historical events and the power of books to transport readers to a turbulent period where friendships are tested and secrets are revealed. Through dual timelines, the author explores the enduring bonds of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the role of literature in difficult times. Charles masterfully captures the essence of courage and compassion amidst wartime challenges.

In 'The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared' by Jonas Jonasson, readers are taken on a delightful and quirky journey following the hundred-year-old protagonist, Allan Karlsson, who decides to escape his boring nursing home life by embarking on a series of hilarious adventures. As the story unfolds, we learn about Allan's remarkable past, intertwined with historical events, blending humor, absurdity, and clever storytelling. This book is a whimsical exploration of freedom, friendship, and the unexpected twists that life can bring. With its charming characters and witty narrative, Jonasson creates a unique and engaging tale that captivates readers from beginning to end.