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The Answer To Everything
John Aarons, a brilliant but perpetually broke artist, knows how to cadge a meal or seize an opportunity when he spies one. Turned out on the street by his fully employed, entirely fed up girlfriend, he goes on the hunt for cheap shared accommodation and stumbles upon the ideal set-up—a bedroom in the home of Amy, an attractive psychology student who has been abandoned by her condo-buying roommate. Not only does Amy have a surprisingly affordable penthouse apartment with rooftop patio and a fridge full of high-quality comestibles, but she also has a mysterious across-the-hall neighbour, Eldrich, who appears to be home all day, smoking weed and receiving an odd assortment of visitors. Before long, John is availing himself of Eldrich's pot, food and wine. He notices that these staples are provided gratis to Eldrich by friends and acquaintances who rely on him for spiritual guidance. That's when John, atheist and misanthrope, decides to start a New Age cult with Eldrich as guru. And so, as half art project, half money-making scheme, the Answer Institute is born. With Amy as a partner in the enterprise, the cult flourishes and grows exponentially, attracting a wide range of broken, strange and spiritually hungry individuals, including an obscenely wealthy Singaporean expat, a psilocybin-dealing hippie, a conservative mom mourning the death of her only child, and the star of a popular sci-fi TV show. Eldrich begins to embrace his role as Leader with a little too much zeal and introduces his followers to increasingly peculiar rituals. Amy becomes progressively more enamoured of the funds pouring into the coffers, and John lets sexual jealousy get the better of him. The more successful the Institute gets, the more it spirals out of control, culminating in a bizarre ayahuasca ceremony that ends in a way nobody could have expected. With humour and pathos, The Answer to Everything examines the gap between reason and faith, and the human need for connection, love and transcendence.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 18, 2018
The book is certainly great. It's exciting and adventurous. Once you start reading it is difficult to stop. It is also extremely well crafted: every phrase is there for some purpose, every element plays a role.
I wouldn't stop on its message or philosophy, as each of us might understand it differently.
Besides the story itself, I really enjoyed the setting. Toronto downtown life is described realistically: you almost feel as if you were in a students' apartment, or in a park near a subway station, or in a small art gallery. And of course there is a lot of humour (“In summer I eat locally and organically” :) )
At the middle I started to suspect that it’s a kind of remake of “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” by Richler: a cynical greedy guy and his angelic girlfriend… only to discover that the guy is not that bad and the girl is not that perfect :) And for some reason I liked this Phis character, and Drew, and especially Heather.
The novel is worth reading. And to a foreign reader it could give some idea about Canadian life (or at least about Ontarian life).
I wouldn't stop on its message or philosophy, as each of us might understand it differently.
Besides the story itself, I really enjoyed the setting. Toronto downtown life is described realistically: you almost feel as if you were in a students' apartment, or in a park near a subway station, or in a small art gallery. And of course there is a lot of humour (“In summer I eat locally and organically” :) )
At the middle I started to suspect that it’s a kind of remake of “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” by Richler: a cynical greedy guy and his angelic girlfriend… only to discover that the guy is not that bad and the girl is not that perfect :) And for some reason I liked this Phis character, and Drew, and especially Heather.
The novel is worth reading. And to a foreign reader it could give some idea about Canadian life (or at least about Ontarian life).
January 4, 2017
This was absolutely remarkable; nothing about the opening chapters hints at the emotional impact this book ultimately has on the reader. It gives the impression of being a bog-standard, contemporary-set Toronto novel of irritating, crazy young people trying to use each other. But then the novel's true purpose reveals itself, and it transmutes into a story that manages to be simultaneously hilarious, outrageous, pathetic, heartbreaking and breathtaking. The story of Heather, in particular, chilled me to my bones with its unbearable sadness and poignancy. A novel that comes out of left field and completely knocks the ball out of the park.
December 31, 2014
I couldn't have ended my year with a more perfect read than Elyse Friedman's, "The Answer to Everything". Her novel is intelligent, highly readable and wickedly funny. It's also incredibly relevant. She seamlessly blends thought provoking ideas with a carefully crafted, page turning story. This is my last read for 2014 and one of my absolute favourites of the year.
December 23, 2016
What makes “The Answer to Everything” such an interesting novel is that you never know (truly) in this text who is sincere in what they say and who is an opportunist. That ambiguity in character motives is one of the pleasures of the book.
This dramedy novel has some funny moments and more than a few drool lines, but it is hinged in darkness and there are more than a few broken souls who populate its pages. Plot overview; someone stumbles upon a guru of sorts and almost unintended a cult springs up. This text explores in a surface manner what makes people grasp to a belief system. One section of the text that is especially interesting to read are emails sent to the “Answer Institute” (the cult the book focuses around) from the folks who find it online and write in. Their stories are very human, and surprisingly touching.
As the book progresses, the three points of view we get diverge more and more and their versions/interpretations of the same events are a big part of the fun of this text. Not as fun is the cheap meta theatrical device the author uses to frame this story. It does not detract from the novel, but it also adds nothing to it.
“The Answer to Everything” is a quick and at times funny read. I would not call it profound, but it is certainly a worthwhile read. I’m glad I stumbled upon it.
This dramedy novel has some funny moments and more than a few drool lines, but it is hinged in darkness and there are more than a few broken souls who populate its pages. Plot overview; someone stumbles upon a guru of sorts and almost unintended a cult springs up. This text explores in a surface manner what makes people grasp to a belief system. One section of the text that is especially interesting to read are emails sent to the “Answer Institute” (the cult the book focuses around) from the folks who find it online and write in. Their stories are very human, and surprisingly touching.
As the book progresses, the three points of view we get diverge more and more and their versions/interpretations of the same events are a big part of the fun of this text. Not as fun is the cheap meta theatrical device the author uses to frame this story. It does not detract from the novel, but it also adds nothing to it.
“The Answer to Everything” is a quick and at times funny read. I would not call it profound, but it is certainly a worthwhile read. I’m glad I stumbled upon it.
January 19, 2019
Really didn't enjoy this one, and found myself wanting to skip parts because I was honestly just bored. The characters were really unlikeable, the story just seemed a bit odd too. I think it had the opportunity to show how completely "normal" people could get sucked into a cult, however it failed to show this and only focused on how all of this cult's followers were a little off. I understand the story was supposed to come off as odd, because the behaviours the members engaged in were quite abnormal, but it was really poorly delivered. I'm still really confused about the cult leader, Eldrich's, personality-- whether he was a sham or whether he truly had good intentions. And the whole thing just seemed unbelievable. Missed opportunity because I think a really good story could've been told about how/why people are attracted to cults. 1/5, if even that.
March 7, 2015
Definitely "addictively readable" (Lynn Crosbie's words). I liked how the story is told from multiple points-of-view. The reader is invited into the heads of all the main characters, and the author aptly uses mod tech devices to move the story along. "The Answer to everything" is good, very good. I'm going to look out for more of Elyse Friedman's works.
August 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book, about the birth of a "cult," about three disparate and lonely personalities who come together with disastrous consequences.
The way the book is written is from alternating perspectives, with a couple emails in the early chapters, and the occasional poking-in from a journalist trying to write a story about the demise of the cult. I don't love this style, and now it feels overdone. That's not Elyse Friedman's fault, but it did sometimes feel a little easy, with the perspective shifting just as the getting was getting good.
I did feel a little disappointed that we, as readers, remained so far on the sidelines when the best bits were going down. I felt that the end was a bit rushed. And for things to have gone so wrong through an act of God felt like a bit of a letdown. All the elements for an epic crescendo were there, but it turned without the readers being aware. The form let down the function.
Another slight bump for me: all of the characters were revealed in the final chapters to be so much younger than they'd seemed throughout the book. This too was a bit jarring.
The way the book is written is from alternating perspectives, with a couple emails in the early chapters, and the occasional poking-in from a journalist trying to write a story about the demise of the cult. I don't love this style, and now it feels overdone. That's not Elyse Friedman's fault, but it did sometimes feel a little easy, with the perspective shifting just as the getting was getting good.
I did feel a little disappointed that we, as readers, remained so far on the sidelines when the best bits were going down. I felt that the end was a bit rushed. And for things to have gone so wrong through an act of God felt like a bit of a letdown. All the elements for an epic crescendo were there, but it turned without the readers being aware. The form let down the function.
Another slight bump for me: all of the characters were revealed in the final chapters to be so much younger than they'd seemed throughout the book. This too was a bit jarring.
September 18, 2021
I bought the book at a reading at the AGH in April 2015 … mostly because of the author’s ‘Elyse’ name. Read it back then; loaned it to my sister Elyse; and now reading it again! Loved the book! It has so many local Toronto references. Even Rochdale College of the early 70’s!!! Characters are very engaging and relatable (scary though that is!) Enjoyed the unusual format - easy to read and follow this crazy and diverse group of seekers. I’m sad to have reached the end of the book, and will make a point to search out other novels by this author.
October 26, 2024
I think the premise of this novel is original and some of the vignettes were interesting, the characters were surprisingly layered considering how little is written by/about them but over all this book is unsatisfying. I liked some of this author previous work and would read her work again but this novel was a wasted opportunity to explore a vital and necessary part of human life and suffering.
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August 31, 2020dont know - yet to read
January 5, 2025
Laugh out loud funny, especially when John is narrating.
April 27, 2025
This was an entertaining, quick read. I could see it being a fun but not too fluffy vacation read. Recommended!
November 30, 2014
I was very happy to receive The Answer to Everything, which I received as a Goodreads First Reader in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. The author included a sweet card with a note, which I thought was nice. The story, about, John, an artist, well-trained in the art of mooching, who latches onto his neighbor, first because he shares his pot, and later because he observes that people drawn to him will often give him money, food, and drugs. John brings his girlfriend, Amy, along for the ride, and between the three of them, they begin nothing less than a cult. The book is told from the point of view of the three characters, with a few inserts from others, including a journalist covering the Answer Institute, as they call themselves.
From a few fliers, to a website, to a meeting a week, to a full-fledged commune in the ritzy section of Toronto, the Answer Institute grows; not just in number and wealth, but also in philosophy. As the focus on Eldrich and his ideas grow more intense, so does his need to find new ways to connect, including finding ways to defy reality, drug use, and touch therapy.
As the story progresses, it becomes less and less clear not only who is telling the truth, but also who has the best intentions. The reader becomes the moral judge of character, deciding who is innocent of duping the followers drawn to the Answer Institute.
The story is clever, funny, and disturbing, a great combination of traits for a work of fiction. None of the characters is particularly likeable, and none of them end up looking innocent by the end of the book. While I do wish that some of the characters were not quite so easy to dislike, I do appreciate the nuanced reactions of the characters to attention and money. Friedman seems to suggest that every human is self-serving, to an extent, and to be honest about it is one of the greatest virtues.
Friedman also pokes fun at the idea that there is an ultimate truth to be found, and uses social media as a way to criticize our attempts at meaningful communication. She suggests, through Eldrich and the character of Raine, that while we search harder and harder for connection through Twitter and other abbreviated forms of dialogue, we impossibly limit ourselves from knowing each other and root ourselves in the superficial. The answer to everything, as the title promises? She has one, and it’s just as satisfying as what any religion will you to.
From a few fliers, to a website, to a meeting a week, to a full-fledged commune in the ritzy section of Toronto, the Answer Institute grows; not just in number and wealth, but also in philosophy. As the focus on Eldrich and his ideas grow more intense, so does his need to find new ways to connect, including finding ways to defy reality, drug use, and touch therapy.
As the story progresses, it becomes less and less clear not only who is telling the truth, but also who has the best intentions. The reader becomes the moral judge of character, deciding who is innocent of duping the followers drawn to the Answer Institute.
The story is clever, funny, and disturbing, a great combination of traits for a work of fiction. None of the characters is particularly likeable, and none of them end up looking innocent by the end of the book. While I do wish that some of the characters were not quite so easy to dislike, I do appreciate the nuanced reactions of the characters to attention and money. Friedman seems to suggest that every human is self-serving, to an extent, and to be honest about it is one of the greatest virtues.
Friedman also pokes fun at the idea that there is an ultimate truth to be found, and uses social media as a way to criticize our attempts at meaningful communication. She suggests, through Eldrich and the character of Raine, that while we search harder and harder for connection through Twitter and other abbreviated forms of dialogue, we impossibly limit ourselves from knowing each other and root ourselves in the superficial. The answer to everything, as the title promises? She has one, and it’s just as satisfying as what any religion will you to.
November 19, 2014
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It's an entertaining and insightful read whose stories and characters grow on you to the point of addiction... luring you in, much like a cult.
The Answer to Everything, in fact, follows the growth of a modern cult-like group centered on a guru-like leader who spouts rather standard self-help-book "wisdom" and, initially at least, had no intentions of being followed by others. The story is told from multiple points of view, particularly that of the two "masterminds" sparking the growth of the group (for their own gain?)
There are a range of interesting characters, to be sure, but Friedman is attempting a lot in the small space and snappy pace of the book and so character development is not a strong suite here.
It does have a strong and fulfilling ending.
All in all, The Answer to Everything is a fun read that will also leave you questioning yourself... for example, "How much do I actually give in to GROUP THINK without really being aware of it?"
The Answer to Everything, in fact, follows the growth of a modern cult-like group centered on a guru-like leader who spouts rather standard self-help-book "wisdom" and, initially at least, had no intentions of being followed by others. The story is told from multiple points of view, particularly that of the two "masterminds" sparking the growth of the group (for their own gain?)
There are a range of interesting characters, to be sure, but Friedman is attempting a lot in the small space and snappy pace of the book and so character development is not a strong suite here.
It does have a strong and fulfilling ending.
All in all, The Answer to Everything is a fun read that will also leave you questioning yourself... for example, "How much do I actually give in to GROUP THINK without really being aware of it?"
January 7, 2015
This is a highly entertaining novel that portrays the complexities and shortcomings of being human. Told from the various perspectives of three individuals involved in the creation of a profitable religious enterprise, as well as from the viewpoint of some of their more avid supporters, this novel is both humorous and tragic. Strongly written, with excellent portrayals of characters displaying different motives and needs, this novel explores the vulnerability of being human. As seekers of answers to questions from the meaning of suffering to the purpose of our existence, we humans are easy prey for the greedy, the well-intentioned, and misguided alike. The author shows a great talent in writing succinctly without compromising style, ingenuity, and the complexity of the subject matter.
November 16, 2014
I loved the concept of this book, and the structure. The story is about the formation of a cult-like organization. It's told in a multitude of voices and is mainly narrated by the main characters. Two people, who become roommates, create a cult with their neighbour as the figurehead. This story is completely set in Toronto and there are lots of details about the city. It's wry and satirical. I was somewhat let down by the ending, but really enjoyed the book while I was reading it.
October 6, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This was a fun and funny read, quirky and thought-provoking. The three protagonists, John, Amy, and Eldrich are involved in starting a cult, with Eldrich as the spiritual leader. They gain many followers, or Seekers, who are all in need of filling a void in their lives. This novel is a commentary on our need to find the Meaning of Life, with a hilarious and sometimes sad twist. Loved it.
This was a fun and funny read, quirky and thought-provoking. The three protagonists, John, Amy, and Eldrich are involved in starting a cult, with Eldrich as the spiritual leader. They gain many followers, or Seekers, who are all in need of filling a void in their lives. This novel is a commentary on our need to find the Meaning of Life, with a hilarious and sometimes sad twist. Loved it.
March 27, 2015
This was pretty entertaining--the writing is subtle and not show-offy, and the multiple (unreliable) narrators were all distinct. There are no grand answers here about cults, religions, meaning-seeking, or metaphysics, but it was an enjoyable visit to the shittier parts of human nature and our ability to believe what we want to believe.
September 9, 2016
I was surprised by this novel. I found it really entertaining and quirky. This novel had an interesting concept and the characters do a great job at narrating the story.
The story is mainly told through 3 different voices and I like that Friedman brings us into their mindsets. By doing this, you couldn’t decide who’s side to take as the story unfolded.
This was a Goodreads giveaway.
The story is mainly told through 3 different voices and I like that Friedman brings us into their mindsets. By doing this, you couldn’t decide who’s side to take as the story unfolded.
This was a Goodreads giveaway.
January 31, 2015
Entertaining, fast-paced, witty and skillfully written. My only suggestion is to not be a reader like me, who puts a book down and doesn't get back to it for a week or so. With many colourful characters, it's better to read it through consecutive days.
November 19, 2014
I received "The Answer to Everything" from a Goodreads contest.
It was ok. Definately worth a read once but I wouldn't read it again. Format between characters is interesting but can get a little repetitive as well.
It was ok. Definately worth a read once but I wouldn't read it again. Format between characters is interesting but can get a little repetitive as well.
February 25, 2015
A very interesting story and very well developed characters: you can't decide whose side you're on, but as you read John and Amy's chapters you can practically see the character sitting in front of you, telling you "how it really happened".
I would highly recommend this book!
I would highly recommend this book!
May 21, 2015
This book is a pager turner from the word go. I enjoyed the prose as well as the novel's originality. Elyse Friedman thinks out-of the box. She is daringly inventive and shocked me out of my comfort zone a few times with this read.
December 30, 2014
A super funny and observant story written from a variety of overlapping and sometimes contradictory perspectives. The structure is unusual and enthralling. Hard to put down!
February 16, 2015
This was a great little read!
April 6, 2015
2.5 stars. Pleasant read but not much here to hang on to, pretty light material. In retrospect wish I had abandoned it earlier to spend the time with something better.
September 7, 2015
Lively and funny book that's very hard to put down. It was the perfect end of summer read - bright and fast-paced but with a sweetly acid bite.
March 21, 2017
I lost track of the book; so it can't have been "absorbing"...
So I stopped reading it.
So I stopped reading it.
April 8, 2017
A little too pat of an ending, but still entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews