Things I like about those authors; Their stories are historical fiction from just the last hundred years or so. There's at least a touch of high adventure, and they're not overly filled with images and details to prove the author researched stuff. Those authors keep their long story moving.
In Gold's case, an amusing cameo might happen without warning.
I'd also describe Towles' books in particular as VERY well written without fitting into the "Literary fiction" genre.
by ArchGoodwin