Hotel Lux tells the story of May O'Callaghan, an Irish radical, and her companions—three revolutionary families united by their shared vision of a communist future. Set in the 1920s, the narrative unfolds in the Comintern's Moscow quarters, known as Hotel Lux. The book explores the intertwined lives of a diverse group of activists, including a talented Irish translator, a daring author, the rebellious daughters of a Jewish family from East London, and a determined German anti-fascist family. As the story progresses, readers gain insight into the legacies of the Russian Revolution, from its initial idealism to the harsh realities of the Stalinist purges. Despite the collapse of their political dreams, these characters hold onto their belief in a brighter future. The tale culminates in a poignant queer love story, highlighting the enduring partnership between the daughters of the Cohens and Leonhards, even as their parents' visions falter. Hotel Lux is a multi-generational journey through the history of international communism, reflecting on both past struggles and future aspirations.

The 17010th greatest book of all time