Have you read “A Gentleman in Moscow?” No? Then you have not done your homework. Look at the “Best Books Ever” section in this website start reading.
Based on “Gentleman” alone I would say Amor Towles is one of the best living American novelists…throw in the dead ones as well. It is that good. And he has followed it up with “The Lincoln Highway.” I am not a reviewer and certainly do not want to discuss the plot so you just have to read it. There is no padding in his writing. Every word is there for a reason. He masterfully cultivates our understanding of unsympathetic characters (see Duchess) and touches our heart with those we choose to care about (many others).
Sorry, no witty punchline. Read the books, you’ll thank me. And if you do not agree with me (how dare you?) I have a middle finger at the ready to respond to your contrarian balderdash!