Less
Author: Andrew Sean Greer
Published by: Abacus
Pages: 262
Format Paperback
My Rating ★★★★
Arthur Less is a failed novelist about to turn fifty. A wedding invitation arrives in the post: it is from an ex-boyfriend of nine years who is engaged to someone else. Arthur can't say yes--it would be too awkward--and he can't say no--it would look like defeat. So he begins to accept a series of invitations to half-baked literary events around the world.
From France to India, Germany to Japan, Arthur almost falls in love, almost falls to his death and puts miles between him and the plight he refuses to face. Less is a novel about mishaps, misunderstandings and the depths of the human heart.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, 2018.
My thoughts:
Less is the story of a 49-year-old writer, Arthur Less. As Arthur approaches his fiftieth birthday, he begins to really contemplate where he is in his life right now. Arthur is struggling to write a second novel, and this leaves him beginning to feel more and more helpless and miserable. He then learns that his ex-boyfriend (and love of his life) is about to marry someone else. Arthur simply just cannot face the idea of actually having to attend the wedding, and so he embarks on a trip around the world to occupy his time instead.
Arthur Less is a fascinating and complex protagonist, and as his story unfolds it is impossible not to feel for him. We get to know him more and more as he grapples with aging, loneliness, creativity, grief, self-pity and heartbreak.
Honestly I was surprised in finding the novel so moving. I must admit I did find some moments a little plodding at times, but a few pages later and Greer had won me over and pulled me right back in again. I finished the book in just a couple of sittings and really enjoyed doing so. I enjoyed the various references to art and literature throughout the book, as Arthur ventured from place to place trying to immerse himself in some of the local culture. There is also a bit of a mystery at the heart of the plot as the narrator guides us through flashbacks of Arthur as a young man. I was so happy and relieved in reading the final pages, and the happy ending really nicely tied up all those loose ends.
The prose is somewhat philosophical, poignant, funny and wise, and is filled with unexpected turns and engaging characters.Greer has managed to create a wise and witty novel, and I think all in all I would describe Less as a kind of bittersweet comedy romance.
This is a great choice if you’re looking to read something heart-warming and entertaining, with interesting quirky characters. I enjoyed it very much!
Overall reaction:
