This is a gentle and beguiling novel that reminded me a little of Alexander McCall Smith or Paul Gallico when he was writing some of his sentimental books. Amor Towles, like Smith, has persuasive characters who triumph over the trials of life by adherence to civility and a flexible view towards the foibles of others. …

Continue reading A Gentleman in Moscow

After selling close to half a billion books, J.K. Rowling could probably find a publisher for her weekly grocery list. She could easily rest on her well-deserved laurels and not write another book. But she hasn't done either and forges into new territory with her writing. 'The Casual Vacancy', her first book 'for adults', is …

Continue reading It Ain’t Harry Potter