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Audible Audio read by Steven Crossley
3.5***
From the book jacket: After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he’s still in good health, and one day, he turns 100. A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn’t interested (and he’d like a bit more control over his alcohol consumption). So he decides to escape, embarking on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey.
My reactions:
Well, this was a ...more
3.5***
From the book jacket: After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he’s still in good health, and one day, he turns 100. A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn’t interested (and he’d like a bit more control over his alcohol consumption). So he decides to escape, embarking on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey.
My reactions:
Well, this was a ...more
Quirky. PartForrest Gump, part Mark Twain, part Catch22... Shaken, stirred and turned upside down
Bizarre satire/farce in which a centenarian begins an unpredictable series of events by taking the impulsive step indicated by the title. On a parallel basis we are told the even stranger tale of his previous ten decades in which his simplicity, his taste for vodka, and his expertise with explosives put him in touch with a number of political leaders.
The book is laugh-out-loud funny and while the rapid fire plot twists are absurd, they each have a weird believability. I loved this book so much I ...more
The book is laugh-out-loud funny and while the rapid fire plot twists are absurd, they each have a weird believability. I loved this book so much I ...more
This wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. I am pretty critical of 'funny' books, especially one's claiming that it is "an incredibly funny story", "dynamite comedy" or "hilarious" on the back. That usually says to me that it is going to be none of those things, and I was right. Yes, the story was quaint, bizarre and mildly amusing. I think the best description of it would be 'absurd'. But hilarious? No.
...more
Mar 09, 2023
Frances C.
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2023-popsugar,
2023-52-book-club
There were definitely parts of this book that reminded me of the movie Forest Gump. Basically Alan Karlson has met everyone of note and was involved in every was of any significance. Insteresting premise, but it was a little hard to buy everything.
What a hoot! I heard this read on the iPlayer and thought I ought to read it. Humor of the absurd. Good fun.
What a fun read....and an elephant named Sonya. Who doesn't love an elephant named Sonya?
...more
Feb 09, 2013
Marleah (marleah_a)
marked it as to-read
May 02, 2013
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
Dec 30, 2013
The Literary Nomad (aka Alex)
marked it as to-read
Sep 15, 2017
Holli
marked it as to-read
Apr 27, 2019
Clare
marked it as to-read
